A TOTAL of five homes could be built in a woodland area on the edge of the borough's green belt.

Initial plans for the development to the north of Templecombe Drive in Astley Bridge were submitted earlier this month.

While the site itself is not classified as green belt, it is located 470 metres away from a protected site which is considered to be of "special scientific interest".

Ward councillor Paul Wild told The Bolton News that he is "completely" against the development.

He will request that the planning committee decides the outcome rather than leaving it to planning officers.

He said: “I will be opposed to it. This is next to a site of special scientific significance. I’m not happy about it at all."

There are five statutory protected sites within 2.5km of the development including Gale Clough and Shooterslee Wood.

A habitat survey of the land recommended that a nesting bird survey must be done before any work commences.

It also said that a 10-year Biodiversity Management Band will be produced for the remaining woodland around the proposed homes.

Fellow Conservative councillor Hillary Fairclough also opposes the plans.

She said: “I would be against it on what I’ve seen.”

The Astley Bridge councillor said the site is "not the most interesting of woodland" but it is still important to protect the natural habitat of the area's wildlife.

The land is owned by Electricity North West and, if approved, the development would involve relocating an electrical substation.