A GROUP of campaigners opposing plans for 250 homes to be built on land near Daubhill have presented a 500-name petition to Bolton Council.

The area, next to Hulton Lane and sometimes referred to as Hulton Lane Playing Fields or the recreation ground, is the subject of an application by development firm Eden.

It is currently home to Wally’s Clubhouse, a community operated activity centre which includes rooms for children and serves as a clubhouse for three rounders teams, who play on pitches next to the centre.

Green Party representative Alan Johnson is supporting the campaign against development and joined residents Sue Pennock and Wendy Shepard to hand over the petition.

He said: “There’s no doubt that people are angry. People have been saying to me that they bought their homes because of the field. It’s a valuable green space and recreational land.

“There will be a very strong sense of injustice if they go ahead with building on the land. When people have green space and recreational land, public health tends to be better.

“The congestion that would be caused by the extra traffic and the potential for air pollution is a huge concern as well.

“Plus, the schools and health centres in the area will not be able to cope.”

Members of Hulton Community Action have also taken issue with the plans.

They are supported by both Sport England and the Open Space Society and have jointly penned letters of objection to the plans.

In a statement submitted by the developer with the planning application, Eden said: “It should be noted that the Masterplan that has been submitted with this application is illustrative and not fixed.

“It seeks to demonstrate the potential development that the site can deliver ensuring that the development complements the environment of Bolton, strengthens the local community and contributes to the growth of the economy in the local area.”

It added: “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.”

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