CAMPAIGNERS who successfully opposed plans to build 300

homes at a golf course have accused the developer of showing “utter contempt” to the people of Horwich as it revealed new scaled back plans for the site.

Members of Stocks Residents’ Association (SRA), who had a front-row seat at the public inquiry into the proposed development at Horwich Golf Club earlier this year, have said they will not be "bullied" by the developer, Peel L&P.

The housebuilding giant has launched fresh plans to build 276 houses at the golf course just months after its previous plans were thrown out by a government-appointed planning inspector.

An SRA spokesman said: “This latest application by Peel shows utter contempt for the people of Horwich, for Bolton Council and disregards the outcome of the recent public inquiry. Removing just 24 houses from this proposed luxury development of 276 homes simply demeans the findings of the public inquiry and ignores the strength of feeling of Horwich residents.

“The people of Horwich will simply not be bullied by developers out to maximise profits from our beautiful open green space. Two thousand homes have already been approved and are being delivered in Horwich and enough is enough.

"The notion that Peel has listened to public opinion is propaganda. We are not aware of any attempt to engage with us.”

The proposal, which was refused permission by Bolton Council’s planning committee back in June 2018, was appealed by Peel L&P soon after.

The residents’ association was granted special “Rule 6 status” at the inquiry, allowing the group to make its own case in opposition to the development alongside Bolton Council at the public inquiry in July.

Planning inspector John Felgate sided with SRA and the council, saying the land was part of a “valued landscape” and that the harm caused to the area would be “substantial”.

But Peel L&P bosses say they have taken on board the inspector’s advice by altering the plans with a reduction of two hectares and 24 homes compared to the previous proposal and retaining half of the green space.

Philip Rothwell, Peel L&P’s Planning Director said: “The Planning Inspector recognised that the Horwich site would make a positive contribution to meeting the Borough’s housing need without undue harm on the surrounding area if the site boundaries were reviewed.

“We’ve listened carefully to these local concerns through the public inquiry and have reduced the site by two hectares to help minimise the impact on the landscape while helping Bolton to meet its five-year housing supply on non-greenbelt land with benefits to local education, transport and recreational facilities for the community.”