DEVASTATED residents have been left 'mortified' and fearful for Westhoughton's future after a planning inspector gave the go-ahead to a 129-home development in the green belt.

Bellway Homes' appeal against Bolton Council's refusal of the plan for Bowlands Hey, off Collingwood Way, was allowed by Hayden Baugh-Jones on Monday following a public inquiry.

Councillors and residents were concerned the decision could 'open the floodgates' for future development proposals in Westhoughton, as well as potentially causing problems on nearby roads.

Cllr David Chadwick, who represents Westhoughton south said: "I am mortified. Westhoughton's roads can not take any more traffic. If you come into Westhoughton at peak times, the traffic is on the motorway itself. 

"The problem is that it is easier for developers to build on greenfield sites. The planning system is stacked in favour of the developer and not the public.

"I am just really gutted that the inspector did not agree with what the council and I said at the inquiry."

Asked if it would set a precedent for future applications in the Westhoughton area, Cllr Chadwick said: "It probably will. The Government needs to put its emphasis on developing brownfield sites.

"The green belt creates a buffer between towns and cities that are next door to each other but because of these developments, the towns and cities are being brought closer together." 

In his decision, Mr Baugh-Jones said the proposal 'would not result in harm' to the highway network and made reference to the authority's shortfall in its five-year housing land supply, which reportedly stands at just more than three years.

Westhoughton town councillor David Wilkinson said: "This is awful news for us all. Everyone has fought so hard against these plans, but the developer has got its way.

"It won’t be long before they try for another 1,000 houses on the green fields at Bowlands Hey, which back on to this site. It’s the destruction of Westhoughton’s last remaining green fields before our very eyes."

An application for further homes has not been submitted by Bellway, but rumours of the potential 1,000 homes surfaced after resident spotted surveyors on a different part of the site. Plans have not been confirmed.

The appeal decision is a further defeat for Bolton Council after its refusal of up to 110 homes in Hill Lane, Blackrod, was overturned last year.

Cllr Zoe Kirk-Robinson, who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor on Bolton Council, said: "The Bowlands Hey decision is not only disappointing but, in my view, continues the current trend of following the Blackrod appeal decision and devastating our communities in the name of developer profits.

"Because of decisions like these, developers will continue to lay siege on Westhoughton. I am asking the Government to look into the current housing development rules with urgency, because right now they are failing our people and our communities." 

As well as outlining the shortfall in the council's housing land supply, Mr Baugh-Jones said there were benefits to the development.

He said: "The contribution that the appeal scheme would make to the availability of housing including affordable, represents significant social benefits of the scheme that attract substantial weight. 

"The scheme would provide a number of economic benefits during and after its construction by providing employment and support for local businesses. 

"It would also have environmental benefits by way of its sustainable location and the potential for occupants of the development to access work, shops and services by means other than the car. I give significant weight to these aspects of the scheme."

A decision is also due to be made on the appeal concerning Persimmon's plan to build 300 homes at Lee Hall, Westhoughton.

The appeal was also held earlier this year after Bolton Council refused the proposal.