Opposition to the latest set of plans for the Horwich Golf Club site has grown.

The Stocks Residents Association, who were seen as an interested party at the last inquiry, saw the new plans as “another attack”.

Malcolm Harrison, chair of the group, said: “As long as we have the drive to do it then we will continue to fight.

“We had 1232 people who had taken the time to lodge a formal objection to the development and hopefully we can get those numbers again to keep the pressure on Peel.

“From our perspective, the fundamentals of the development still haven't changed - 1700 houses are being built in the area and there's a huge oversupply, we only need 25 to 40 houses per annum so anyone can do the maths.

“There’s the potential for 8500 homes on brownfield sites that totally exceeds the five year need.

“If these sites could be brought forward I don't see why we should build on our green sites.”

Last week, Northstone announced its intention to submit new plans to Bolton Council, earmarking the popular green site for 150 homes, parkland space, and areas for community use.

The latest plans, which are around half the size of the original proposal, will be the firm’s third attempt at gaining permission for new housing on the site.

Parent firm Peel L&P will also be appealing against the council’s decision to deny permission for 276 homes at the site earlier this year.

At a planning committee meeting in January, the plans were unanimously rejected after councillors said the development would be inappropriate for the protected site, which does not have full green belt status, and raised concerns about traffic.

This application followed a planning inquiry into the original 300 house plan, where a government inspector said the plans were unacceptable.

The firm claims to have made “significant changes” to address the concerns, and wants another public inquiry into the second refusal.

Cllr Richard Silvester also vowed to fight the latest proposal.

He said: “'I am completely opposed to any development of Horwich Golf Course as it is protected open space and we want Horwich Golf Course to become Green Belt land.

“Whether it is 150 or 276 houses proposed, I will continue to object to any planning application for building on the Golf course.

“I hope all of the proposals for building on Horwich Golf course which Peel and Northstone come up with are completely thrown out and rejected.”

A public consultation into the latest plans will be launched in the next few weeks, with leaflet drops and virtual viewings giving residents the chance to have their say.