A Bolton MP has backed a campaign to protect green land from development and argue for more affordable housing.

Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, spoke in parliament earlier this week outlining her support for the Hulton Estate Area Residents Together (HEART) campaign and against the government’s plans to change the planning system.

She believes the plans for Hulton Park ­— for over 1,000 homes ­— doesn’t do enough to help the 9,000 people on the housing waiting list in Bolton.

Ms Qureshi, said: “Further to my speech, I am acutely concerned by the housing crisis. We have young people unable to get onto the housing ladder due to spiralling house prices, and access to social housing at an all time low. The waiting list in Bolton alone stands at 9,000.

“I want developers and local authorities to work together to develop existing brownfield land into affordable and social housing, as a priority. Developing the greenbelt has to be a last resort.

“Peel Holdings have recently revised their plans for the Hulton Park estate, which has faced significant opposition from campaigners and myself. But I still remain resolute in my opposition to this development – we need to protect our green spaces and manage traffic in a sensible manner.

“On planning, the Government’s proposals do nothing to generate sustainable economic development, fails to address issues with transport, nor does it attempt to factor in net zero goals.I want to ensure that everyone in Bolton and the UK has access to safe and suitable housing at an affordable cost.”