Horwich link road row as landowner rejects council statement

John Lewsley of brownfield developer NPL Group, who own some of the land, commented after seeing Bolton Council state they were making “efforts” to agree terms with landowners.

But Mr Lewsley, disputes this, stating instead that Bolton Council has not been in touch since October 2025.

Former MP Chris Green on site at the new road (Image: Office of Chris Green MP)

Mr Lewsley said: “The Directors of Landcare Manchester are fundamentally disappointed by false and misleading statements suggesting our business is responsible for delays to the New Spine Road at Horwich.

“Any fair-minded review of the absolute facts proves otherwise.

“We have always been supportive of the new road and the wider scheme, which is why we entered into the licence to build the road in the first place.

“Landcare Manchester has consistently acted in good faith to progress this critical infrastructure.”

Mr Lewsley works with Landcare Manchester, a subsidiary of the larger NPL group.

He felt it necessary to comment after a recent statement by Bolton Council, wherein they reconfirmed their determination to finish the project.

A Bolton Council spokesperson had said: “Rivington Chase remains one of Bolton Council’s highest priority regeneration projects and represents one of the borough’s most significant long-term investments.

The crucial link road has still not been opened to the public (Image: Newsquest)

“The wider masterplan will deliver approximately 1,700 new homes together with supporting mixed-use development, transforming the former Horwich Loco Works into a sustainable community with new homes, employment opportunities, community facilities and extensive public open space.

“The council remains committed to securing the completion and opening of the Rivington Chase Spine Road as soon as practicably possible.

“Over recent months, efforts have been made to reach agreement with the owners of the remaining land interests required to complete the final section of the road. Those discussions have not resulted in terms that could be progressed.

“The council’s preference remains to reach agreement with the landowners, and will seek to continue discussions to this end, but will need to consider all available options to facilitate the completion of the link road.”

Mr Lewsley stated that, having received no communication from the council since October 2025, it is not true that “efforts have been made” to reach an agreement over the land “in recent months.”

Bolton Council have since secured permission to use “compulsory purchase powers” to complete the road if they feel it necessary to do so.

A Bolton Council Spokesperson said: “The spine road is a key council priority and we are working with all parties to complete the work as soon as possible. 

“We have recently brokered a meeting between the lead developer and landowner with the aim of resolving matters in relation to negotiate for the land needed to complete the final section of the road. 

The road will be crucial to helping to reduce traffic (Image: Office of Phil Brickell MP)

“The constructive discussions are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment further on commercially sensitive or legal matters at this stage.

“There has never been a 500-home cap on development at Rivington Chase linked to the completion of the spine road. 

“However, there is a S106 agreement which includes a 500-home threshold, this requires the developer to fund agreed off-site highway improvements for delivery by the council.

“These works have either already been delivered or are in the process of being delivered. 

“Bolton Council’s cabinet recently authorised the use of compulsory purchase powers to complete the spine road, if needed.

“However, we remain committed to securing a negotiated resolution wherever possible.”

The original deal signed in May 2020 allowed developer Novo BlueMantle five years to finish the road and have it adopted by Bolton Council.

This five year period expired last year.