Bellway primed for Westhoughton go-ahead

The housebuilder’s plans for close to 200 homes at Bowlands Hey are tipped for approval at Bolton’s March planning committee.

This is set out as phase five of a wider housing development by Bellway in the area, which has finished phase one and started phase two. Phases three and four are smaller than this phase in the masterplan.

Benefits of the scheme as outlined by planning officers include the full provision of the affordable housing quote, at 35% of the total, along with a commitment to Section 106 obligations.

Bolton in any case would not argue from a position of strength were the application contentious, as it cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing supply.

The homes are proposed west of Westhoughton, on land beyond Dobb Brow Road.

The plans as set out in the application form include 58 four-bedroom homes, 94 three-bedroom homes, 33 two-bedroom homes and four one-bed properties, coming to 189 homes in total.

The site will be accessed from the housebuilder’s second phase of housing in the area, a project where the firm won at appeal.

This latest proposal includes 4.3 acres of open space. The site is abutted to the north by a railway line, and by the phase four site (currently open fields) to the east, along with a golf course.

Bellway is advised on the project by Lichfields and APD. Bolton’s planning committee meets on 24 March.