A RECREATION ground in the middle of a housing estate could be transformed into 250 homes.

Developer Eden Land has submitted plans for the scheme for the green space just north of Hulton Lane Playing Fields off Eldercot Road, Daubhill.

As well as outline permission for the 250 'family homes', the application proposes to relocate the rounders pitch and refurbish the existing pavilion, which is used by youth clubs in the area.

In a planning statement submitted with the application, the developer said: "The site is formally allocated as a playing field in the (Bolton Council) development plan.

"However the majority of the site has not been in active sports use for a number of years.

"The active element of the site (the rounder’s pitch) is in poor condition. The development of this site for housing will allow for the replacement and improvement of these facilities.

"These proposals will also ensure that the youth club/changing facilities building that is located on this site has a long term future capable of serving local clubs.

"Indeed the applicant will grant rights to the club and community groups for the continued use of the club building and the relocated rounder’s pitch.

"This will secure their future use of the site for a significant period of time."

The statement added that the site had been subject to difficulties including incidents of fly-tipping, as well as accumulating litter.

It described the state of the land as "overgrown and un-kept".

The masterplan shows how the homes would be laid out and how the pitch would be positioned to the north of the site.

But there is concern in the community about the pressure it could put on the infrastructure in the area, particularly in Hulton Lane.

Cllr Toby Hewitt, who represents Hulton ward on Bolton Council, said: "Residents have spoken to me and the other councillors about their concerns about infrastructure in that area.

"Obviously these concerns need to be addressed. Hulton Lane does need some work doing, especially on resurfacing.

"At the moment there is quite a large amount of damage, especially around the Hulton Lane Community Centre."

"That area can get very busy with traffic and with 250 houses, that will add a lot more cars."

The deadline for comments on the application is Wednesday, April 4.

A decision on the plans would then be made by the Bolton Council planning committee.

For more information, search for reference number 03053/18 on the planning portal at bolton.gov.uk