Decision Nears on 80-Home Green Belt Development in Bolton Amid Golf Club Concerns
A crucial decision on plans to construct 80 homes on green belt land on the outskirts of Bolton is set to be made this week. Rowland Homes aims to develop the new estate on fields off Arthur Lane, near the village of Harwood in Bolton, arguing that the currently protected area meets the grey belt tests during a time of housing shortfall.
Golf Club Raises Objections Over Stray Balls and Noise
Among 218 objections received by Bolton council, one stands out from Harwood golf club, which lies next to the proposed development site. The club has requested a ball strike survey as a condition if outline planning is approved, citing potential liability to members and the club. In its objection, the club stated, "We do get a small number of stray golf balls that enter the car park and cause minor damage. We would request a ball strike survey as a condition to prevent any future damage to residents and potential liability to members and the club."
Additionally, the club highlighted noise concerns, noting that grass cutting machines operate from around 6am in summer, with members playing from a similar time. They emphasized that the potential for noise impact to residents, coupled with a large number of social functions the club holds, should be addressed in any noise mitigation strategy.
Planning Officers Recommend Approval
A planning report has been published and will be presented to members of Bolton's planning committee at its Thursday, March 26 meeting. Planning officers have recommended that outline planning permission be granted. The report stated, "It is considered that the application site meets the definition of grey belt as the development would not fundamentally undermine the purposes of the remaining green belt across the borough."
The proposal is seen as contributing to the unmet need for housing within the borough and being sustainably located. It also meets the 'golden rules' requirements by providing 50 per cent affordable housing, contributing to education provision, and creating public open spaces on site or improving other open spaces in the borough. The report concluded that the development would not constitute inappropriate development in the green belt, and the principle of development is acceptable.
Details of the Proposed Development
The proposed development would provide 80 homes ranging from one to five bedrooms. The site covers approximately 2.47 hectares of land across two agricultural fields currently used for grazing purposes. The terrain is generally flat with a gentle slope down from west to east.
Widespread Objections from the Community
The 218 objections to the plans include significant concerns about the impact on the green belt. One objector remarked, "The green belt serves a vital role in preventing urban sprawl and preserving the character of the countryside. This particular development will reduce the 360 metre strip of green belt separating Bolton from Bury by 125 metres." They added that this is development of the last remaining open parcel in Harwood and could encourage further sprawl in surrounding open areas.
Other objections outlined worries about:
- Increased traffic congestion
- Impact on public rights of way
- Residential amenity issues
- Potential harm to wildlife and trees
- Lack of local facilities to support new residents
The decision by Bolton's planning committee will weigh these community concerns against the housing needs and planning recommendations, with the golf club's specific requests adding a unique layer to the debate over green belt development.
