Proposal for 108 homes and new woodland areas in Bolton approved
Bolton Council has approved plans for 108 energy-efficient homes and a 1.2-acrew woodland recreation area.
The scheme, Garnet Fold, is proposed by homebuilder Northstone, part of Peel L&P, and will develop the site off St Helens Road (A579) with a mix of properties to help meet local housing shortages, including homes for people with affordable housing needs.
The plans include a publicly-accessible woodland area within a two minute walk from the homes with footpaths, seating areas and play equipment to connect people to nature to help improve their health and wellbeing.
A wildflower meadow and a native mixed woodland area totalling more than two acres will also be created to help attract wildlife, in addition to hedge planting, bird and bat boxes and spaces in rear garden fences to allow for hedgehog highways.
As part of the plans, Northstone and Peel L&P will also contribute more than £700,000 towards primary and secondary education improvements across the borough and more than £150,000 towards new public open space.
A range of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes to suit first time buyers, families and downsizers will be built at the site with flexible living options for residents to switch downstairs layouts to suit them.
Homes will be highly energy efficient with smart household technology to help reduce fuel bills and hyper-fast broadband speeds to support home working.
Pedestrian-led streets will also help to reduce traffic speeds and create safer communities.
Charlotte Rosser, development manager at Northstone, said: “These new homes will provide local people with much needed quality housing close to beautiful public open space and nature and we’re also making a significant contribution to education in the borough.
“Our Westhoughton development just around the corner from Garnet Fold has proved very popular with the first residents now moving in and we’re pleased the council has recognised the benefits our developments bring to a community by allowing us to start our second site in Bolton.”
A total of six homes will built for either shared ownership or affordable rent.
The site at Garnet Fold was allocated for residential development in Bolton Council’s adopted Local Plan Allocations Plan, which was adopted in 2014.
