HOUSING plans at a contentious green belt farm site have been revealed.

A total of 50 homes are planned for Hartley’s Farm where a government inspector ruled that up to 58 residential units could be built late last year.

Bolton Council refused to allow developers permission in principle for housing at the vacant Westhoughton farm in 2017 but the decision was appealed and overturned by a planning inspector last October.

The final details of the proposed housing development have now been revealed by developer Hollins Wingates.

The plans feature a mixture of two to five bedroom houses as well as an apartment block with six two-bedroom flats.

Cllr Christine Wild told The Bolton News that she still opposes the development. She said: “I don’t think it’s the right place because of traffic. I just think it’s going to add to the problem of Wingates Lane and Church Lane. It’s so narrow that road – the extra cars on that road are going to prove difficult.”

Cllr Bernadette Eckersley-Fallon raised concerns about drainage during a recent Westhoughton Town Council, referring to the recent flooding at Fawcett Fold.

She said: "What we would insist on is that the drainage at the site is done properly."

Planning inspector Bryn Bowker acknowledged local fears about the development could have an impact on the appearance of the surrounding area, as well as adding to traffic and potential flooding because of a lack of sewer capacity.

But, in reaching his conclusion, he said the proposal would make a “sizeable contribution” towards housing supply which Bolton Council could not demonstrate it would deliver sufficiently.

He said: “The council acknowledge that they cannot currently demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land and this provides a clear indication of an unmet housing need.

“The proposal would make a sizeable contribution towards housing supply, which a suitably worded condition would ensure the timely delivery of. In addition, the proposal would provide 21 on site affordable houses.”

Since then, the latest draft of Greater Manchester’s 20-year masterplan for homes, jobs and the environment has been published.

Town hall planners are due to publish their view on the latest plans by November.