I WOULD like as a borough councillor representing Horwich North East Ward, to put on public record that I have objected to planning application 05772/19 for the building of 48 dwellings on green space land, immediately to the rear of Singleton Avenue and I am against this land being built on.

The site is open space land and adjoins and is part of Green Lane playing fields.

I originally objected to this area of land becoming a potential housing site during the consultation for the Borough Allocation’s plan for housing back in 2012.

As a councillor, I have been consistent in objecting to planning applications for housing in Horwich North East Ward on green open space land and in the Green Belt and I was re-elected in 2012 and 2016 on my promise that I would continue to do so.

I have objected to planning applications to develop housing on the former Horwich College playing field, Horwich Golf Course, Hole Hill Farm off Edge Lane, the controversial Grundy Fold houses off Chorley Old Road and most recently to build on Green Belt land next to Mill Lane off Chorley Old Road which was refused.

I also played a major part in getting Cedar Avenue playing field off Claypool Road designated Village Green status, protecting it from any housing being developed at all.

I feel that a brown field site should have been identified by Bolton At Home for their housing scheme to the rear of Singleton Avenue and I am of the opinion that it is simply wrong.

I hope that Horwich Town Council recommends refusal of the application in due course and I hope that Bolton’s Planning Committee will refuse the application when it gets to them.

Bolton At Home should withdraw this application and find a brownfield site elsewhere.

I would encourage residents to object to this application by e-mailing : planning.control@bolton.gov.uk or write to The Planning Department, 3rd Floor, Bolton Town Hall. BL1 1RU and please quote application number 05772/19 in your correspondence.

Cllr Richard Silvester

Labour

Horwich North East Ward