Decision made on plans for 30 affordable houses in Tonge Fold

The plans were submitted by Be One Homes – formerly Bolton at Home – and include 30 houses on green land behind Doris Avenue.

It was the property’s designation as ‘affordable’ that swung the vote in their favour, with several councillors noting the importance of affordable housing in the Bolton area.

Also important was the fact that Bolton cannot demonstrate a five-year housing supply.

A range of houses have been proposed (Image: BTP Architects)

The council officer noted: “The benefits of the development demonstrable outweigh the potential harm, and therefore we recommend the development should be approved.”

Cllr Martin Donaghy – who is not on the planning committee himself – came to the meeting to oppose the plans as a representative of his ward Tonge with the Haulgh.

Cllr Donaghy said: “The wildlife on the site will be significantly disturbed and lost.

“Access to the site is on the narrow Colenso Road and Bury Road. The residents of my ward asked me to come before you and ask that you reject the application.”

The plans aim to build 30 new houses over the land (Image: Newsquest)

A representative of Be One Homes said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with local developers Forshaw to create these properties.

“We are looking to deliver 50 per cent of the properties under a social rent scheme. So far we have had over 1400 expressions of interest in the properties.”

Councillors then had a chance to ask questions to the planning officer Jodie Turton.

Cllr John McHugh asked: “Are there any waterways next to the area that have been contaminated? Will the new trees that are planted in the area have TPOs on them?”

The planning officer said: “The land used to be the site of a bleachworks. And no, the trees will not immediately have tree protection orders on them when they first go in – this can only be done at a later date.”

Cllr Glen Clarke said: “What measures are being taken to protect the waterways?”

The officer said: “The environment agency have asked us to monitor the construction process sure that no pollution goes into the waterways as a result of it.”

The plans will go to a vote at town hall (Image: BTP Architects)

Cllr David Grant made a statement: “I think what is important is that it is 100 per cent affordable housing. There is a huge need. I don’t see anything in the reports that would warrant refusal.

Cllr McHugh agreed: “I think the key thing is that it is affordable.

I think it sad that a community is affected by this, but it is the key that it is affordable. I second the motion to approve.

The planning committee then voted to approve the application.