Back in March this year, planning application 08075/20 was submitted for 78 houses to be built on the Llama field off Lever Park Avenue.

Horwich North East Labour Councillors Richard Silvester and Kevin McKeon both objected to the plans.

The field is classified as ‘Protected Open Space’ and adds a valuable contribution to Horwich’s green areas and is adjacent to Rivington and the Green Belt.

Cllr. Silvester asked the planning officer on the 20^th March that if she came to the conclusion that the application should be refused, that she does it under delegated powers. This would avoid the application going to the Planning Committee who could do the opposite and approve the application. The planning officer agreed to Cllr. Silvester’s request and we have now heard that she will refuse the application under delegated powers by the end of this month.

Councillors Silvester and McKeon objected to the planning application for the following reason, ‘we believe the proposals would cause substantial visual harm to the landscape of the area and spoil the character and appearance of the area, and the openness of this protected open space land contrary to Policy OA1’. We believe that this will be the reason for refusal by the planning officer.

Cllr. Richard Silvester said, ‘I am absolutely delighted that this planning application will be refused. I objected to it because I am firmly against this much loved area of Horwich being developed on. I agreed with the planning officer that if she was minded to refuse the application, that she does so under delegated powers, which she is now going to do so I am very pleased that my work with the planning department has brought about the right outcome. I want to thank everyone who contacted us on this issue and for objecting to the application – every objection counted’.

Your Labour Ward Councillors will object to any future planning applications to develop this field for housing.