AN inquiry into plans for a huge housing development in Westhoughton was opened yesterday — the second in the last week.

The town hall hearing yesterday launched the examination into a proposal from Bellway Homes to build 129 homes on greenfield land in Bowlands Hey, which was unanimously rejected by councillors earlier this year.

The authority argued that the development would affect highway safety and congestion in the area.

But David Manley QC, representing Bellway, said the impact would not be significant to outweigh the benefits of the development.

He said: "The application was recommended for approval by council planning officers and there was no objection from the emergency services.

"The authority on their own best estimate have a 3.1 year housing land supply. That is a severe shortfall.

"It is difficult how the highways argument can significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal mainly by much needed housing in a highly sustainable location."

But Vincent Fraser QC, representing the council, argued that there were issues with highways in the area.

He said:"Access would be by residential roads which would have reduced available road space because of parking.

"The roads suffer congestion at present and the development would exacerbate that position and affect the free flow of traffic.

"An absence of a five-year-supply does not mean that every application is acceptable."

It comes after an inquiry into 300 homes at Leigh Hall, Westhoughton, concluded on Friday.

The inquiry resumes today and is due to end tomorrow.