RESIDENTS are intensifying efforts to defeat Peel housing plans.

Stocks Residents Association is doubling its efforts to fundraise for a barrister to argue against the controversial application to build 300 houses on Horwich golf course.

The application was rejected in 2018 by Bolton Council and the decision was then appealed by Peel.

The plans were then sent for public inquiry in September, where a final decision will be made by the Planning Inspectorate.

The inquiry is scheduled for June.

In a campaign to "keep Horwich green" and stop construction on the golf course and an adjacent field, members of the group have launched more measures to raise the money for a specialist planning barrister.

The group is asking for donations of good quality books for a secondhand book sale. Books can be dropped off at the Post Office on Chapel Lane in Horwich.

The association is also running a car wash on April 28, followed by a 60s and 70s music night on May 5.

The group is asking for anyone thinking of making a donation to email stocksrahorwich@gmail.com.

The members are hoping the council's original decision will be upheld.

The association has estimated an 600 additional cars will be on the roads at rush hour should the development get the green light, impacting Chorley Old Road, Stocks Park Drive, Victoria Road and Chorley New Road.

In a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, Emery Planning, representing Peel, requested a three-day inquiry, describing the issues as “complex”.