Images of ‘public art’ close to a controversial new housing estate to be built on greenbelt land have been published.
Steel sculptures featuring a ‘meeting pod’, a representation of a family and a man with a scythe are contained in artist’s impressions of the work, which will form part of Hollins Wingates plans to build 50 homes at the Hartley’s Farm site in Westhoughton.
The ‘man with a scythe’ concept is in tribute to the historic Ye Old Man and Scythe pub in Bolton town centre, which was first mentioned in a charter in 1251.
The borough’s motorway transport links are also celebrated with the the phrase ‘all roads lead to Bolton’ part of the concept.
The artist’s representations shows the meeting pod on top of a mound in a meadow.
Four years ago Bolton council refused plans submitted by Hollins Wingates to build 58 homes at Hartley’s Farm.
However, that decision was overturned by the government planning inspector after appeal, with planning permission eventually granted for 50 homes in 2020.
In March, the developers revealed plans to build a further 30 houses further into the greenbelt.
A condition imposed by Bolton council on the granted permission said that ‘prior to the first occupation of any dwelling, details regarding the provision of public art, including timescale, shall be submitted to and approved in writing’.
A decision notice from the council, after the artwork plans were lodged, said: “The meeting pod images and public art research document have been deemed to be satisfactory.
“However, as no timescale for implementation has been provided it is not possible to fully discharge this condition.”
The research document on the art scheme, states: “Key heritage themes related to Bolton are that it’s got great motorway links and a famous pub.
“The structure in the space is woven, no glue or screws used just amazing architecture.
“This is a modern-day representation of the link to the mill industry and how Bolton supported families and jobs.
“Meadow grass evokes thoughts of sustainability, new growth along with a cluster laser cut family.”
