A Bolton MP is urging local people to have their say in a consultation that could see thousands of houses built on green spaces across the area after Council Leader Cliff Morris approved draft proposals.
Bolton West MP Chris Green has campaigned against the plans in the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework for thousands of houses to be built on land close to Chequerbent roundabout and set up a petition earlier this year signed by more than 2,000 residents.
Despite Bolton’s only representative on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority which is pushing the plans – Councillor Morris – stating that he could use his power to veto any plans he didn’t like, he voted them through.
Chris Green commented: “The proposals for nearly 1,700 houses at Chequerbent and then another 1,200 as part of the Hulton Park development will have a massive impact on our area – our roads, schools and public transport are struggling as it is.
“Now that we know our Council Leader won’t help us, we have one last chance of showing the powers that be that we do not want these houses.
“I have already been copied into a few responses by local people to the consultation but we need as many people as possible to make their views known.”
Westhoughton North councillor Martyn Cox added: “Any more development will put further strain on Westhoughton’s infrastructure that can’t cope as it is.
“We must also preserve the green spaces that make Westhoughton such an attractive place to live.”
To get involved in the consultation, go to http://gmsf-consult.objective.co.uk, email [email protected], or send your submission by post to Greater Manchester Integrated Support Team, PO Box 532, Town Hall, Manchester M60 2LA. All comments must be received by 5.00pm on 23 December 2016.