More than 100 new homes could be built in Little Lever — in what developers say will become a ‘thriving new community’ on a former industrial site.
Outline planning approval has been given to build 132 homes on Stopes Road, on a 15-acre site which was formerly a Tarmac concrete block factory and storage facility.
However, Bolton Council’s planning committee have only signed-off the plans in principle — with details on layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping still to be thrashed out.
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Part of developers Haworth’s ambitions for the site include creating a large open space, available to the public, and a ‘village green’ within the development.
It will contain six different house types to cater for all sections of the community, the company added.
“Our plans for the Little Lever site will transform this former Tarmac concrete plant into a thriving new community, bringing additional housing, jobs and investment to the local area,” Steven Knowles, Haworth’s regional director for the north west, said.
“The development will provide residents with extensive green space and landscaping features to enhance biodiversity, alongside improvements to road and footpath access.”
The company also says improvements to road infrastructure and access will be made, along with improvements to existing treelines to the south and west of the site — in order to attract wildlife and further enhance biodiversity.
Despite the firm’s promises to increase biodiversity in the area, some residents and representatives have raised concerns that the scheme could be disastrous for the environment.
One resident said that the number of new houses could lead to traffic congestion, and thus more pollution — but council officers said that there would be a reduction in HGV movements in the area.
Coun David Evans, representing Little Lever & Darcy Lever, added his weight behind the traffic concerns, formally writing a letter of objection to the plans.
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