Watson has received planning approval for two housing sites in Bolton following a lengthy appeal process.
Plans were submitted to deliver new homes at Creams Mill and Hall Lane, in Little Lever, in November 2020. The proposals for the regeneration scheme, which consists of 255 homes, of which 154 units (61%) will be affordable, were refused in December 2021 and the appeal process – led by P4 Planning – began in June 2022.
In allowing the appeal, the planning inspector agreed that the proposed market and affordable homes along with the restoration of the Bolton and Bury Canal, which has been out of use since it was breached in 1936, comprised the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposed development in the green belt.
Gillian Worden, director of P4 Planning, said “There is a national housing crisis and an even more acute need for affordable homes. Local housebuilders have an important role to play in tackling this and increasing housing supply. This development will help address Bolton’s significant overall housing shortfall and realise a long-term dream of restoring the canal and seeing it back in use, helping to justify development in the green belt.”
Rob Watson, director at Watson, added: “We are delighted to see the approval of our planning appeal for the regeneration of Creams Mill and Hall Lane. The inspector agreed that there is a desperate need for new housing in Bolton and this development will play a significant role in the delivery of both affordable and market housing.
“Our development enables the restoration of the 1936 breach in the Manchester Bury Bolton Canal and returns this section of canal to water. We are excited to see the benefits this restoration project will bring to Little Lever.”
At the public inquiry, Watson was represented by Giles Cannock KC and Freddie Humphreys of Kings Chambers. The instructing solicitor was Martin Hallam of Gunnercooke. The wider project team for the regeneration scheme includes architects TADW, Rumpus, Enzygo, Elluc Projects, SCP Transport, SquareCGI, Roger Hannah & Co, LK Consult, Ensafe, Hatch and Moss Naylor Young.
