A Little S.W.A.N. History

S.W.A.N. got going back in 1998, when after years of ongoing development, a plan was put forward to build over 1100 new homes and an industrial Estate at Lee Hall – an area of green, open space. That with other plans brought the prospect of Westhoughton doubling in size!

Stirred by the public outcry, a campaign got going to formally object to the plans and set about protecting the remaining green open spaces in Westhoughton at threat from the developers:

• To the west Lee Hall
• To the east Bowlands Hey
• And to the north Ditchers Farm

Since 60% of Bolton's available green field land falls within Westhoughton, Horwich and Blackrod, it has at times been 'open season', S.W.A.N. gave the people of the town a voice. Through PR, lobbying, and people power, at Public Enquiry the Lee Hall plans were rejected, and in the next Unitary Development Plan (UDP) it was to be designated as 'protected open land'. Similarly a Planning Application for 720 houses at Bowlands Hey was turned down.

That Was Then, What About Now?

Westhoughton and its environs remain an attractive location, S.W.A.N. continues its work, meeting regularly and keeping a watching brief on planning issues (nationally and locally), prepared to contribute to planning consultations and to oppose inappropriate or non-beneficial developments. In the longer term we seek to work with and influence Borough Planners - as we did during the recent Local Development Framework (LDF) process - ensuring that Westhoughton's green belt is protected and that the bigger picture is considered (community, traffic and amenities). We remain vigilant; developers usually chip away at the adjacent land, on the principal that a little bit of land here and there won't matter – this 'phased development' does matter!

Why Should You Care?

It's your town. Still, a relatively small town with its own identity and a small town/countryside feel. A sense of community prevails. We have an abundance of wildlife – there are areas of natural beauty such as our very own 'glen' at Lee Hall Bank Park right on your doorstep. - wildlife conservation is of course one tool we can use to help our cause. Issues regarding traffic congestion and commuting should be considered, as well as the provision of services to meet with the demands and needs of local people. Too often houses have been allowed without considering the impact and strain of existing infrastructure and community life. Thankfully, the outcome of the recent LDF and the good work put in by S.W.A.N appear to have resonated with both the Planning Inspector and Bolton Council Planners.