IT is great news to hear that Bolton Council's planning committee has rejected plans to build on Pickup's Field, Horwich.

I would like to personally thank councillors Marie Brady and Richard Silvester as Horwich North East ward councillors who both spoke against the application, in addition to Horwich town councillor David Grant, they all spoke well. All did a fine job in representing the people of Horwich!

There have been over 430 objections just to the disposal of this land in the heart of the Lever Park ward, that I think shows the strength of feeling around any possible building or offloading of these fields. Many thanks to those councillors on the planning committee who stood up for the people of Horwich and listened to our views, regardless of party, including councillors Peter Wright and Ann Cunliffe who both represent areas of Horwich.

To be honest, this is land which should never have been put in the allocations plan to begin with by the previous council. However, it is a reality that it is currently still in and that needs to be dealt with.

For me, what now needs to happen is that the allocation plan is revisited, this land should be removed and if needs be, alternative additional brownfield sites brought forward, such as on St Mary's Club, or areas on, or similar to the Loco Works across the borough.

In my opinion, Bolton Council's hierarchy should preempt any potential appeal by Bolton At Home by approaching the housing provider and suggest various alternative sites.

Cllr Steven Chadwick

Lever Park Ward, Horwich