A new plan to build as many as 100 new houses on an abandoned railway cutting could be set to prove controversial.

If approved, the homes will be built on brownfield land fronting Leverhulme Park in Darcy Lever, while a former railway cutting will be raised to a level platform.

But Cllr Sean Hornby, of Little Lever and Darcy Lever First, has said he is concerned this could impact on plans to bring the Metrolink to Bolton instead and has queried if the area is able to support more housing.

He said: “I couldn’t support a planning application on that site, and I’ll be making a strong application to that effect at the planning committee.

The Bolton News: Cllr Sean Hornby says he will not support the applicationCllr Sean Hornby says he will not support the application (Image: Newsquest)

“We’ve had a fair bit of development in Darcy Lever over the last 10 years already and another application had already been refused back in 2007.”

He added: “It’s in the middle of a wildlife corridor and at the moment there’s a feasibility study taking place into installing the metrolink on that site, which we’re hoping to hear back about in February.

“We know that MP Mark Logan has been a big supporter of this and the Bury South and Radcliffe MP Christian Wakeford has been quite keen as well.”

But the developers, the Cheshire-based Muller Property Group, say that their plan could help build on the traditional character of the Darcy Lever area while providing new houses stock that is much needed in Bolton.

Chief executive Colin Muller said: “Much of this railway cutting site has already been redeveloped and this final piece of redundant brownfield land is ripe for transformation.

“Our vision for this site is to reinforce the traditional local character of Darcy Lever while supporting the demand for much needed new housing here. 

“Our proposal would deliver an attractive and sustainable scheme where residents can reap the benefits of living adjacent to Leverhulme Park and all the wonderful leisure and sporting opportunities that it provides.”

The Muller Group’s application is still in the indicative stage and includes a mixture of two, three and four bed houses, which the company says reflects people’s needs in the Darcy Lever and wider Bolton areas.

The plan will also include green space areas with pedestrian and cycle links which are aimed at encouraging open spaces, according to the company.

The 6.8 acre site is around 2.2km east from Bolton town centre along the east and west of Long Lane to the north of Darcy Lever and next to Leverhulme Park.

The site has already been allocated for housing development in Bolton’s local plan and Mr Muller has argued that its closeness to shops, services, schools and workplaces could make it an ideal location for the development.

ALSO READ: Fresh calls to improve road which is an accident hotspot

ALSO READ: Warning green space could be 'lost forever' as inquiry opens into major housing plan

ALSO READ: Work taking place to transform Bolton's district towns

It is also served by Leverhulme Park, the largest such park in Bolton, which includes a community centre, athletics stadium, five-a-side football pitches, cricket pitches and a bowling club.

Moses Gate Country Park is also a short walk away which extends to 750 acres and includes nature trails plus horse and cycle routes.

The plans will be decided on by Bolton Council at a later date.