Westhoughton homes finished SIX years after plans were given green light — here's a first look

Formerly the borough's last greyhound stadium, the Weavers Way development in Westhoughton has been years in the making.

Initial designs for 38 new homes were approved in 2014, before revision added to the total in 2015, with 50 houses given the green light.

The plans were originally brought by Sparkle Developments, but the project was delayed for years as final agreements remained unsigned and financial contributions to local schools and highways were debated.

In January 2019, a Sparkle representative told The Bolton News that the project had been passed to Seddon Homes.

After the handover, bricks were laid throughout last year at the site off Wigan Road and a mix of three and four bedroom homes were constructed. New homeowners are now moving into the complete houses on the site.

A Seddon Homes spokesman said: "Our Weavers Way development in Westhoughton has proved to be popular with local buyers since we launched it in early 2019.

"A number of purchasers are now living on the development and we anticipate all of the homes being completed by the end of the year."

Leaders in Westhoughton have voiced support for the developers choosing a brownfield site over greenfield.

But as other developments in the area get underway, including 300 homes at Lee Hall and 129 homes at Bowlands Hey, concerns have arisen over the need for infrastructure to support new housing in the town.

Nearby schools are already at capacity, says Westhoughton Mayor David Wilkinson: "The only problem we have got is around education, particularly secondary. It's difficult with spaces.

"The high school will need some more significant work done to it and there's not a lot of space on that site. They may have to build upwards.

"If we are not careful, there is going to be even more pressure on schools. The high school already can't keep up with the numbers. Some children might have to leave Westhoughton, they might be sent further in Bolton."