A Little SWAN HistorySWAN 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:
Since 60% of Bolton's available green field land falls within Westhoughton, Horwich and Blackrod, it has at times been 'open season', SWAN 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 new Unitary Development Plan (UDP) it is to be designated as 'protected open land'. Similarly a Planning Application for 720 houses at Bowlands Hey was turned down.
Westhoughton and its environs remain an attractive location, SWAN continues its work, keeping a watching brief on planning issues (nationally and locally), prepared to oppose inappropriate or non-beneficial developments. In the longer term we seek to work with and influence Borough Planners, ensuring that Westhoughton's green belt is protected and that the bigger picture is considered (community, traffic and amenities). We must be ever 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!
It's your town. A small town, still with a small town/countryside feel. A sense of community prevails. We have an abundance of wildlife – Lee Hall Bank Park is a 'Scottish' glen on your doorstep. Wildlife conservation is of course one tool we can use to help our cause. Have you noticed that it's getting longer to get in and out of Westhoughton at peak times? Are you a sardine on the train...? And what about getting to see a doctor or a dentist... As the wife says: size isn't everything, but quality is – the quality of life in Westhoughton is important... developers see £s, we see people and lives. There are limits!
Yes! If this over-development is concern to you, show us your support... Get involved... SWAN is a voluntary, community-oriented group. You may have knowledge that could be useful or that needs acting upon. You may have a skill that could help us, or even time to give us. We meet fortnightly; soon we will be embarking on profile raising events and fundraising.
www.swanonline.co.uk
