Hundreds object to housing plans close to trees that are 400 years old

The Woodland Trust and hundreds of people have lodged objections to a proposed housing development near protected ancient trees. Bolton’s planning committee is scheduled to make a decision next week on plans for a 20-home estate at Longsight Lane in Harwood, with seven of these homes classified as ‘affordable’ in the application.,

A planning report due to be presented to the committee outlines two proposed access points from Longsight Lane; one serving rear parking for the affordable houses and the other serving nine homes in the rear portion of the site. The two-storey housing will comprise a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached properties with two, three and four bedrooms.

The planning report states: “The site is on the edge of the predominantly residential area of Harwood.”

It further describes the site as being made up of two roughly triangular parcels which meet at a narrow pinch point towards the centre, separating the housing into two distinct parts. The site currently consists of unmanaged grass and scrub, bramble, tall herb vegetation and broadleaved trees and is mainly flat.

The site is adjacent to a wooded valley that forms the Castle Croft and Bradshaw Brook site of biological interest and is also near Millenium Wood. The Woodland Trust has objected to the plans, citing concerns that the development could impact ‘veteran trees’ in the vicinity, reports the Manchester Evening News.

They said: “Veteran trees are irreplaceable habitats and should be protected from loss or detrimental impact. Any development resulting in the loss or deterioration of a veteran tree should not be taken forward unless there are wholly exceptional reasons.”

They further noted, “The Woodland Trust objects to this application on the basis of deterioration and harm to seven veteran trees recorded on the Ancient Tree Inventory, with associated loss of veteran characteristics.”

There has been a significant public outcry against the proposal, with 334 objections from local residents and Friends of Longsight Park raised during a consultation. Concerns were expressed over the potential loss of open, green recreational space, negative impacts on wildlife and natural habitats, alongside the site’s status as an area of biological interest.

Additional grievances include anticipated increases in local traffic, noise issues, and insufficient amenities.

The plans under consideration include terms laid down by the council that would require the developer, upon approval, to provide £129,788.94 towards primary and secondary school placements, as well as £31,600 for play spaces. There is also a stipulation for inclusion of affordable housing and assurance of a biodiversity net gain.

The issue is set to be deliberated by the planning committee on Thursday, November 7.

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