CONCERNED residents say it would be “sacrilege” to build a new housing development on woodland in Astley Bridge.

Public Sector PLC (PSP) has submitted two planning applications to Bolton Council, asking for outline permission to build a total of 21 houses on the wooded area and paddock at Moss Lea.

Chris Booth, who lives in Moss Lea, says that the area has been enjoyed by neighbours for decades.

He said: “We have to hope that the council makes the right decision and reject all attempts to build on this vital green space for our community. There are plenty of brownfield sites to be built on and they should be exhausted before any development is even considered anywhere else.”

The proposals for the two-storey homes will now be decided by the council’s planning committee. Warren Fox, Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Bolton North East, said: “I met residents as soon as we were alerted to this plan. The big issue is the loss of green space, and these aren’t even going to be affordable homes. This development will ruin the community spirit in the area and will lead to a lot of noise and light pollution. I don’t think that is a price worth paying.”

Tory prospective parliamentary candidate James Daly also criticised the plan. He said: “The area just cannot cope with more houses, the road leading to the site is unadopted and already causes huge problems for residents. It is a nightmare for residents now, and 21 large houses on this site is absolutely unacceptable.”

A PSP spokesman was not available for comment.