APPLICATIONS for developments have been flooding into Westhoughton.

There are now five ongoing developments, with some already under construction.

Others are at various stages in the planning process.

All of the plans have sparked criticism from local councillors, who say that the town needs more affordable housing for young families as well as the infrastructure to support the influx of people.

BOWLANDS HEY

The council refused the first phase plan of 129 homes in 2017, saying the application warranted an inappropriate development and would create traffic problems. Developer Bellway Homes successfully overturned the decision and construction began a few months ago. Phase two of 174 homes was rejected by the council and has been appealed. A public inquiry will take place on Tuesday.

ROSCOE'S FARM

An application for the site was approved by Bolton Council in 2015. A "revised application" for 128 homes was rejected by Westhoughton Town Council on Monday. A spokesperson for Miller Homes said: "The increase in the number of homes reflects the introduction of a higher proportion of smaller homes to help widen the affordability range and thereby satisfy more of the local demand for new homes."

LEE HALL

The Persimmon application to build 300 homes at Lee Hall was won on appeal in 2017 after a rejection from Bolton Council. The development of 45 acres across near the Chequerbent Roundabout was given the go-ahead by a government planning inspector after a public inquiry.

A "significant shortfall" of housing across Bolton was given as a reason for allowing the development.

HARTLEY'S FARM

The 58-home development by Hollins Wingates was rejected by Bolton Council in December, 2017. The government overturned the decision for the farm site, again citing a shortage of housing in the region. The planning inspector also said that the proposal would provide 21 affordable houses, but councillors responded that inspectors "have no idea of the impact".

HULTON PARK ESTATE

Plans to build 1,036 homes and a golf course have been called in by the government, despite council approval. The planning committee approved the development on the condition of a successful bid for the 2026 Ryder Cup. A public inquiry will take place on October 1 and a decision will be made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.