Work has now begun on more than 170 houses to be built over the site of a former golf club.

The Horwich scheme was approved in October last year after an appeal by developers Northstone against Bolton Council's original decision to refuse the plans.

Dubbed "Cyniefin", the works are set to build 177 new homes on the former site of Horwich Golf Club off Victoria Road.

Northstone head of pre-construction Chris Okey said: “We’ve already made great progress on the earthworks and installation of retaining walls that form the development areas where the homes will be built.

“We’ll be on-site creating the access point come Christmas and people will see the energy-efficient homes take shape by next spring, with the first plots being those next to Bond Close.

The Bolton News: A mix of homes have been plannedA mix of homes have been planned (Image: Northstone)

“We’re absolutely committed to being a considerate neighbour to the surrounding communities, and have been updating locals on our planned activity as we got going. 

“We’re doing everything we can to make delivery of Cynefin one of our most sustainable projects yet.”

The first phase of the development is expected to include a mix of one bedroom apartments, two bedroom bungalows, two to five bedroom family homes and two to four bedroom townhouses.

Just over a third are expected to be classed as “affordable.”

The developers say that earthworks have started to enable delivery of the key infrastructure, with construction of the roads and sewers set to start this month.

The main access point off Victoria Road is set to be created before Christmas.

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Mr Okey said: “The end result will be a high-quality community with a wide housing choice for people at different stages of their life, whether first time buyers, those wanting to rent or downsizers looking for a bungalow.”

He added: “Over the years we’ve honed our approach to construction and developed best practice, to minimise waste sent to landfill and to form meaningful partnerships with local groups, so we leave a positive lasting legacy.

“Horwich is no different and we’re looking forward to making a positive impact as we bring forward much-needed homes for Bolton.”

The first homes are expected to be available from autumn 2024, with reservations being taken from spring 2024.