Green Belt homes plan sparks fears for ‘300-year-old’ tree

The proposal, submitted by developers MacMarshalls, seeks permission in principle for up to four houses on land behind Silver Birch Close, near High Rid Farm.

Planning documents argue the site should be classed as “grey belt” land, meaning it does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes, and it is described as a small infill plot between existing development that would “not fundamentally undermine” the wider Green Belt.

The ‘beautiful’ tree helps provide a habitat for animals (Image: NQ)

But people living nearby say the field is anything but expendable.

Charlotte Woodcock, who lives on Silver Birch Close, said the land is centred around a “veteran” oak tree believed to be hundreds of years old.

She said: “It’s irreplaceable.

“It’s a veteran tree which is minimum three hundred years old and it’s beautiful.

A veteran tree is one that is of exceptional age, size or ecological value, often supporting a wide range of wildlife.

She added: “The unique selling point of my house is that it has a view on to this beautiful tree and land that I was told can’t be built on because it is Green Belt land.

“That will be ruined.”

“I will tie myself to the tree if I have to.”

The application, lodged with Bolton Council on April 23, comes as the authority cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing supply, something the applicant says creates a “demonstrable unmet need” for new homes.

However, residents fear approving the scheme could open the door to further development.

Louise Williams, who also live son Silver Birch Close, said: “For me it’s all around this grey belt, because if this gets approved. It will set a precedent and then where is the line drawn?”

The Green Belt land is adjacent to more which worries residents (Image: NQ)

Wildlife is another key concern, with residents reporting deer and protected bats using the land.

Mature trees and hedgerows are known to act as important habitats and corridors for species, say residents.

Ms Williams said: “These are protected species, which I’m sure love this land and the tree. It’s such a shame for the wildlife.”

The planning statement maintains the site is suitable for development, stating it lies within Flood Zone 1 and suggesting any surface water risk could be addressed through design.

But resident Paul Roberts said existing problems are already evident.

He said: “Flooding can happen quite often especially in winter, the drain that runs along the bottom of all our gardens is full to the brim of water.

“The tree roots help prevent flooding by soaking up the water, if this goes it could risk more flooding.”

The drains run along the bottom of the land to prevent flooding into neighbouring propeorties (Image: NQ)

Andy Dakin, who works in property insurance claims, warned building on the field could make matters worse.

“I work in property insurance claims and see everyday issues the last thing we want to see is the urbanising of this farmland which would significantly increase impermeable surfaces, intensify run-off and materially exacerbate flood risk.”

Access to the site is also being questioned.

High Rid Lane where the proposed access route will be, is described by residents as a narrow, single-track road in parts, with space for only one vehicle at a time

While the application suggests traffic from four homes would be limited, council highways engineers acknowledge the road is “sub-standard in width and forward visibility”, albeit with no objection in principle if improvements are made.

Silver Birch Close residents are ‘not happy’ (Image: NQ)

Residents say that does not reflect reality on the ground.

“I walk a pram down this lane every day and can see first-hand the issues cars face trying to get down a one-track road,” Ms Woodcock said.

“Allowing an access road just wouldn’t be viable.”

There is also frustration over how the plans came to light, with some residents saying they only became aware through Facebook despite claims of consultation.

Planning documents state neighbours were consulted on April 27, but residents say no letters, notices or posters were received or displayed in the area, with many only becoming aware through social media.

Ms Woodcock said “I only found out because of a community group n Facebook.

“If I didn’t go on this page, I would have never of known, and for those older generations that don’t use social media, they won’t have a clue.”

The applicant concludes the scheme represents sustainable development in a location close to shops and transport links.

For residents, however, the issue is more fundamental.

“It’s a whole ecosystem that should just be left,” Ms Woodcock said.

A decision has yet to be made by Bolton Council

MacMarshalls has been contacted for comment.