Housing Development Near Wildlife Area Rejected, Campaigners Express Delight

Plans for a contentious housing development, situated adjacent to a wildlife-rich area, have been rejected, despite receiving a recommendation for approval from planning officials. Over 300 individuals opposed the construction of 20 residences on two fields located near Longsight Park in Bolton, an area designated as a Site of Biological Importance. This particular land serves as a habitat for various wildlife, including mammals, insects, and birds, such as tawny owls. Advocates for the area expressed that they were “absolutely delighted” that “the ecological argument” had been considered. Dr Jane Wilcock, representing Friends of Harwood and Longsight Park, stated, “This is somewhere where our ancestors have walked and we want our children to walk as well.” She further elaborated, “The area is full of veteran trees. There are badgers, deer, fox, rabbits and field mice,” adding, “There are also wild flowers and therefore insects, including bees.” The developers had proposed constructing the 20 residences off Longsight Lane in Harwood, near Bolton, adjacent to the Castle Croft and Bradshaw Brook SBI (Site of Biological Importance). Of these, seven homes were intended to be designated as affordable. The proposed site encompasses three acres, characterized by grassland, scrub, brambles, and broadleaved trees. Although planning officials had recommended the proposal for approval, local councillors ultimately voted to reject the development. Dr Wilcock commented, “We didn’t expect it to be rejected at all and we’re absolutely delighted. “We don’t feel this is nimbyism, we feel this is an ecological argument.” The Lancashire Wildlife Trust stated that the land represented a natural landscape feature that improved the nearby Site of Biological Importance. They further noted that residential construction would alter the landscape and negatively affect the adjacent woodland. The Woodland Trust had also voiced opposition to the plan, citing potential damage to seven veteran trees located on the site.