Councillors and residents attended a protest in Bromley Cross today (September 28) to voice their concerns ahead of formal plans being submitted for a new development.
Around 100 new homes could be built on Green Belt land at Tongefields, just north west of Kiln Field on the western edge of Bromley Cross.
The outline plans have yet to be submitted but councillors have already been briefed and have raised key concerns about the proposed scheme.
The protest took place in the field at noon on Sunday and saw more than 100 people in attendance.
Cllr Nadim Muslim, who also sits as Conservative Group leader on Bolton Council, was there alongside his Bromley Cross colleagues Cllr Amy Cowen and Cllr Samantha Connor.
The trio spoke to the crowd and answered questions from members of the public.
Cllr Muslim said: “This is not about challenging the proposals for the sake of it. We need - and welcome - more affordable housing options, but this is not the right location.”
Tony Mercer, 75, has lived close to the proposed development site since 1989.
Speaking to The Bolton News, he said: “If this goes ahead, it will cause many traffic problems with up to around 200 additional cars in the area. Darwen Road is bad enough as it is.
“Children use the field to play in, along with dog walkers. There is also a wealth of wildlife here, including bats. We can’t lose it.”
According to Oakemere Homes, which has launched a consultation, the development will include a mix of two-to five-bedroom semi and fully detached family houses.
They say there will be a mix of open market and “affordable” homes and that trees and hedgerows around the edge of the site will be maintained.
Oakmere Homes has also said that the existing public footpath will be preserved and enhanced.
Resident Victoria Ashworth, 46, from Bromley Cross was at the protest with her family.
She said: “Traffic is already congested around here and has an impact on my commute.
“It takes me around 30 - 40 minutes to do what should be a 15-minute drive and that’s without any roadworks or other delays.
“I dread to think how bad it would get with another 100 houses nearby. They also have to consider the impact on local schools, doctors’ surgeries and other services.
“Schools are already massively oversubscribed. We would have to consider moving if this goes ahead and I’m sure others feel the same way.”
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Cllr Connor also raised the issue of the potential extra traffic in the area and the impact on residents and children who use the field for recreational activities.
A statement on the Oakmere Homes consultation website said: “Bromley Cross is a sustainable settlement with a range of facilities and services which cater for the needs of local residents.
“The site is within walking distance of the St John’s Primary School, local shops and facilities, as well as bus stops on Darwen Road, which provide easy access to Bolton and Egerton.
“In addition, Bromley Cross railway station is within 1km walk of the site and provides regular direct services to Bolton, Clitheroe, Blackburn and Manchester Victoria.”
If planning permission is granted Oakmere Homes expects that building at the site will start in 2027 and take around three to four years to complete.
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