Rowland Homes has revealed plans to construct 80 new homes on green belt land - saying the land "meets the grey belt tests" at a time of housing shortfall. The company aims to develop the new estate on fields off Arthur Lane, near the village of Harwood in Bolton.
In literature distributed to neighbouring properties, Rowland stated their intention to apply for outline planning permission to create 'a high-quality residential development for around 80 new homes, vehicle and pedestrian access points, landscaping and public open space'.
The potential development site encompasses a roughly rectangular five-acre plot of fields and trees bordering Arthur Lane, Harwood Golf Club and Roading Brook Road.
Rowland Homes said: "The site is currently in the green belt. However, Bolton Council have a housing land supply shortfall, and the site meets the grey belt tests which supports an immediate application to help address this housing shortfall."
The term 'grey belt' originates from the government's commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years. Under existing green belt regulations, it is challenging to build on the green belt as applicants must demonstrate 'very special circumstances' to justify planning permission.
The government also stated that brownfield sites should be prioritised first. The term 'grey belt' is used to describe land within the green belt that is either previously developed or that, while undeveloped, doesn't significantly contribute to the green belt's core purposes.
In its consultation documentation, Rowland said the advantages of developing the location would include 'significant public open space for current and future residents to utilise including a new central green', fresh pedestrian routes from Arthur Lane, through the development, to the rural areas beyond and a net biodiversity enhancement.
One Roading Brook Road resident, a man in his fifties, expressed strong opposition to the proposal.
He commented: "The first we heard of this was a couple of weeks ago and there's a lot of opposition. I've written to them to object. There should be no need to build on the green belt.
"Around 10 years ago these fields were put forward as a potential site for housing in a strategic plan but that was rejected. I recall seeing that there were hundreds of brownfield sites in Bolton which could support 5,800 new homes. In that case there should be no need for green belt development."
Bradshaw ward councillors Les Webb and James Moller recently organised a local meeting at the location to hear residents' concerns and encourage participation in Rowland's consultation process. The pair confirmed they would be opposing any development at the site.
