A DECISION will be made this week on whether a controversial plan to build 21 homes on woodland in Astley Bridge goes ahead.

 

Two separate planning applications from Public Sector PLC (PSP) for a development in Moss Lea will go to Bolton Council’s planning committee on Thursday.

 

Residents have said that it would be “sacrilege” to build on the land, with concerns raised over increased traffic and noise, as well as extra strain on nearby infrastructure.

 

However, both of the applications are recommended for approval by council officers, who say that the need for new housing outweighs the drawbacks of the development.

 

A report into one of the plans concludes: “It is clear from the representations received that this is a well loved area and that residents and visitors to the area for recreation consider the loss of this greenfield site to be detrimental for a variety of reasons, as well as the inadequacies of Moss Lea as an access route to the site.

 

“However, given the need for housing across the Borough and the fact that the Council is unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, it is vital that a wider variety of sites other than those allocated for housing and brownfield sites are considered.”

 

According to highways engineers, the two developments would have a “negligible impact” on the road network in Astley Bridge.

 

Warren Fox, a campaigner in Astley Bridge and former Lib Dem parliamentary candidate, says that residents are “furious” about the proposals.

 

He added: “The road is not suitable for this development and I don’t think it will be the kind of affordable housing that Bolton needs. Residents will be fighting this development all the way.”

New housing development on woodland at Astley Bridge would be 'sacrilege' say residents

The application from PSP states: “The development of land at Moss Lea embodies sustainable development by making appropriate use of a suitable site providing high quality and desirable residential development in an attractive, accessible and sustainable location.

 

“The proposals will support the supply of housing within the Borough and provide high quality residential development, helping to meet the needs of the local community.

 

“In doing so, the proposed development will deliver good design and conserve the natural environment.”