Plans for 'affordable' waterside homes have been vehemently opposed by a local action group.
Last month, Salford-based developer Watson Homes announced plans for 297 houses and apartments, on the site of the former Creams Mill in Little Lever, and land off Hall Lane.
Developer Watson also pledged to regenerate the disused Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal, repairing the breach and restoring water to the former route.
Little Lever Green Belt Action Group are vehemently opposed to the plans.
Robert McKinney, from the group said the green area off Hall Lane had previously been saved after a previous development was proposed.
He said: "In 2010 the plans to develop this land were objected to by the borough’s highways department as their officers stated it was too dangerous to allow access to this site but now in a sudden u-turn this now seems to have been overlooked.
"Little Lever is already gridlocked with traffic, at peak times and also school starting times, with traffic queuing nose to tail from Moses Gate, back to the centre of Little Lever.
"There is limited green space land left in Little Lever, we do not need another 300 homes on three sites, to add to the traffic chaos and pollution the extra cars will bring.
"It’s also destroying the last bit of green belt in Little Lever."
Mr McKinney said he and his group were concerned about the welfare of schoolchildren in the area.
He said: "The green belt land at Hall Lane is opposite the grounds of Little Lever High school and is within approximately 50 metres from the entrance to their car park grounds.
"There are three primary schools, and the high school, on or just off Church Street.
"Any introduction of an extra road opening at this point would prove hazardous for an already busy road and a danger to children."
He added that several properties backing on to the land have enjoyed direct access to the land and the local community had used it without interruption for more than 70 years.
He said: "The entire area is walkable and can be walked on with ease and without restrictions.
"Several trees have been planted, some by the local community and others have self-seeded along the edges of the land creating a haven for various wildlife such as birds, bees, insects, and shrews.
"The land is used for a variety of recreational uses such as walking, cycling, horse riding, dog walking, as a direct access onto the canal towpaths and the country park.
"Applications have been submitted to Bolton Council’s solicitor to protect the land under Town and Village green status as we have been able to provide witness statements and appeal for the use of the land and we are awaiting their response on this application.
"We have made calls for support to all political parties and will be engaging with discussions with those who have responded as to our next steps to fight again to protect this land from developers."
