A green belt action group has expressed concerns over trees being felled on a site where hundreds of homes have been proposed.

In November 2020 Watson Construction (Holdings) Ltd submitted an application to build 274 new homes on the site of the former Creams Mill and land off Hall Lane.

Creams Mill is a brown field site, whilst Hall Lane, and behind Cedar Avenue are considered Green Belt.

Member of the Little Lever Green Belt Action Group Simon Johnson, says he is particularly concerned because the application is currently in the appeal process, and he doesn’t understand why work is taking place now.

He is also worried about the impact the tree felling will have on the wildlife in the area.

But Watson Homes say the felling of trees “is being conducted in accordance with the Forestry Commission allowance, which ensures the sustainable management of woodlands”.

The Bolton News: Tree felling at Creams Mill old paper millTree felling at Creams Mill old paper mill (Image: Public)

They also explained that this is being carried out on areas where they are “permitted”.

Simon told The Bolton News: “I saw lots of tractors on the Creams Mill site cutting trees down as well as cleaning some of the canal up, and we have had no say in this.

“The landscape looks completely different now.

“It’s not looking in our favour.

“I haven’t seen any deer or foxes since work was completed and there are usually lots of them, as well as usually hearing owls and other birds.”

The group’s other concerns are that traffic will build up on the A6034, as a result of the construction work and new houses if the development gets the green light.

They believe the area is already congested and gridlocked at peak times, especially near the schools in the area.

The Bolton News: Little Lever Green Belt action group main members Simon Johnson and Steve McKinneyLittle Lever Green Belt action group main members Simon Johnson and Steve McKinney (Image: Public)

Cllr Sean Hornby - who represents Little Lever and who has previously sat on the planning committee – says that he is aware there has been quite a lot of activity taking place at the end of Mytham Road where the old Creams Paper Mill is, and that part of this is due to a previous application being approved years ago.

He said: “I have received a lot of reports from residents about the felling of trees.

“I think they will be making it look a lot better and not like an environmental area for when the planning inspector comes to visit.”

He says that Watson homes already own some of the land, including the brownfield site and a bit of green belt land, behind Cedar Avenue on the other side of the canal.

Rob Watson, director at Watson Homes, said: “The activity currently being carried out on site at Creams Mill is the felling of trees.

The Bolton News: Hundreds of supporters came together to show their support at protest against development in SeptemberHundreds of supporters came together to show their support at protest against development in September (Image: Public)

“This is being conducted in accordance with the Forestry Commission allowance, which ensures the sustainable management of woodlands.

“The shrubbery that is being cleared is dead and dangerous, so is therefore being cleared to ensure the safety of the public and those onsite.

“The clearing is being undertaken in the quantities we are permitted.”

The planning application was refused in December 2021, but Watson Construction Holdings has now submitted an appeal.

A public inquiry is expected to take place in November this year.

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