AS reported in The Bolton News, January 29, the planning committee approved the application by Wainhomes to demolish Brynmoor and build 15 houses on the site.

After the committee's concerted opposition to this development at previous meetings, the decision came as a surprise.

It made little sense when Cllrs Walsh and Williamson said that they would be sorry to see the character of Harpers Lane change and in the same breath argued that the application should be approved.

Their party colleagues, however, towed the line. Cllr Roger Hayes resolutely opposed the application.

Change does not happen of its own accord; it happens if it is allowed to. Much could still have been done to improve this scheme. Wainhomes and the owners of Brynmoor will be cock-a-hoop.

Building regulations and guidelines handsomely favour the developer, and it seems that some of our councillors, when it comes to it, are prepared to make things even easier for them.

The town planning officers can expect to receive more applications from owners of large gardens who wish to demolish perfectly habitable houses. An opportunity for Bolton to insist on the highest standards of urban development has been lost.

Roger Whitehouse Harpers Lane Bolton