A DEVELOPER has revealed plans to build another 174 homes on green fields around Westhoughton.

Bellway Homes has delivered leaflets to residents for its proposed estate at The Fairways.

The build would signal the second phase of the Bowlands Hey development after 129 homes were approved for the scheme last year.

The leaflet stated: “The application is being brought forward as the next phase of the development at Bowlands Hey, following on from our Vistas development, which was approved in 2017.

“A proportion of homes will be affordable to meet identified housing needs.

“The proposed development will be a safe and attractive place to live.

“The scale and character of the proposals will contribute towards and enhance the existing residential area.”

A planning application for the development is due to be submitted to Bolton Council in the near future.

But people have already voiced their concerns about Westhoughton getting another large housing development.

It follows on from the Bowlands Hey approval last year and the 300-home estate being built at Lee Hall.

Both of these were overturned by a Government inspector after Bolton Council’s planning committee initially refused the plans.

Concerns range from the loss of open space to the pressure the houses would put on infrastructure, including roads, schools and doctors.

Cllr David Chadwick, Westhoughton South representative on Bolton Council, said: “I am just completely speechless. It is just open season on green fields around Westhoughton. It is just crazy, absolutely crazy. I do not think the schools can cope with it and the doctors cannot cope with it.

“As far as I am concerned, I am very much against it and I will be trying to get it refused by the council’s planning committee.”

He said: “I have got confidence that the council’s planning committee will turn it down but I have got less confidence in the outcome of the appeal, which we will inevitably get.”

Cllr Zoe Kirk-Robinson, who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor, said: “We were all sure Bowlands Hey was just the start of an onslaught on our countryside.

“I’m saddened that they are going to try for this, but not surprised.

“Personally I’m looking forward to the proposed changes to planning regulations that the government was talking about a few days ago, as it will give the council some of its teeth back to deal with these shocking over-developments.”