5 days ago
Campaign to protect green space loved by residents continues
The campaign to save a green space from development continues, with residents illustrating its importance within the community with posters.
Harwood residents are desperately trying to stop the land from being lost and be replaced by a new housing estate.
The a two-year saga between developer Oak Tree Ltd and Harwood residents has now gone to the planning inspectorate for a final decision.
The plans were first submitted in 2022 – originally an application for two dozen houses – but was amended to 20 just off Longsight Lane.
Campaigners for Longsight Park. (Image: Leah Collins) They were rejected by the planning committee on November 18 last year – but the developer filed an appeal on May 16 – almost exactly six months after the decision.
Signs decorated by campaigners. (Image: Leah Collins) The Friends of Longsight Park have since campaigned against the appeal and to keep the site and to also keep a public right of way, intact.
READ MORE: Bolton Council rejects planning application for houses in Harwood
Locals dismayed at appeal over rejected Longsight Lane plan
Dozens gather in protest against plans to develop in Harwood
Signs decorated by campaigners. (Image: Leah Collins)
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Longsight Park, Harwood is a hidden gem for all to enjoy
Speaking to The Bolton News, Belinda Williams, who runs one of the sub-groups in the campaign said: 'We have painted placards and posters with love and care to show the planning inspectorate just how much Harwood is loved and cherished.
'The residents are all keen on saving this green space because its so special. It's a green corridor that cuts through the Millennium Wood and when it's gone it's gone.
"There are approximately 320 species across the two fields.
"Some of the friends who've painted signs include Mandy, Lisa, Jackie, Maria, Julie and myself.
A road is planned to intersect this area. (Image: Leah Collins)
'The planned development will also feature a road that goes through the Old Ned's Lane, which is a public right of way.
Signs decorated by campaigners. (Image: Leah Collins) "The proposed sites are along a green corridor, its vital that this stays intact as to ruin this would disrupt the wildlife here.
'The spaces will also affect tree roots, there are trees in the ancient hedge row that have long roots spread out and will go under the development.
'One in four British mammals are at risk of extinction, but here we have rabbit, fox, roe deer and wood mice frequently crossing and living on the site.
Signs decorated by campaigners. (Image: Leah Collins) 'How will they survive?'
Ward councillor Les Webb said: 'Having supported residents through this arduous journey so far, where this potential development is solely about profit for the developers and not providing sufficient affordable houses.
"This application was correctly refused by the elected councillors at the planning meeting and these level of complaints are only manifesting due to greed of the developers.
The development is proposed for this site. (Image: Leah Collins) 'I sincerely hope the Planning Inspectorate will protect the Green Spaces , Wildlife corridors as well as ancient trees and hedge rows and this debacle to bed once and for all.
'Also let it be a lesson to other developers who see Harwood as a quick buck our residents will fight for our Green Belt and remind BMBC of the Brown Belt first policy as well as the directives of Places for Everyone.
'Our villages infrastructures can not support further expansion, school places are at capacity, doctors surgery's without appointments and a grid locked road system relying on data from 2007 - 2009 since any data was collected, Harwood is full!'
Speaking at the planning meeting where the plan was rejected, Cllr John Walsh said: "This development is cause for serious concern specifically because of its proximity to a site of biological interest and the significant negative impact on this will not be lost. It is for that reason I'm refusing the application."
