News update

S.W.A.N. looking for new members

S.W.A.N. is currently in the process of freshening up its committee and membership with reviews of its committee and constitution. Stated goals likely to remain the same, however after the success of the LDF consultation and a period of relative quiet here in Westhoughton, there could be impacts from the governments changes to planning strategy, with pressure on greenbelt. Notwithstanding the uncertain economic situation, we are monitoring developments. In light of the 'cessation' of building in 2008, it could be construed that much of the development was driven by the credit bubble and an element of speculation.

---

S.W.A.N. and the local election campaign

---

Westhoughton Landmark Red Lion closed with development proposal for nursing home.

After difficult times in the pub trade the Red Lion closed its doors in January, and now the site in up for development for a 52-bed care home with the pub building, it being in a conservation area, retained and converted into admin and training facilities. Story (Bolton News).

The Red Lion has over the years played an important role in the social life of Westhoughton and has contributed to the community as a meeting venue and local resource; so it is sad to see it go. Pubs and social clubs have struggled over recent years, and are often located on prime sites with development potential. The 'new' care home could well be joined by a similar but more ambitious development at Glebe Mill, Library Street, though this scheme has been 'withdrawn.'

---

Westhoughton Market Going From Strength To Strength.

Once with an uncertain future, and in 2007 threatened with an 18-month closure for redevelopment following moves by Bolton Council and a resultant planning application for apartments, thanks to the efforts of traders, management and local support (and an issue over public toilets), Westhoughton Market is reaping the rewards of investment and endeavour, and has recently been crowned 'Best Small Indoor Market' by the National Association of British Market Authorities. Now open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the now full and diverse main hall, and complimented by additional markets in the back hall on the first two Saturdays of the month (Farmers Market and Car Boot repectively). A number of successful themed events with a community connection have taken place to further raise the profile and draw in new custom, putting the market at the heart of the town centre. Westhoughton Market website

---

Boundary Commission for England - Initial proposals for the North West region

In a move that could give the people of Westhoughton a little more political influence, the ongoing review of electoral boundaries has some interesting proposals for Westhoughton.

[From report]
69. Our proposed constituency of Bolton North combines wards to the north and west of the town of Bolton (which are currently included in the Bolton North East constituency) with the town of Horwich and the surrounding area (currently in the Bolton West constituency). Our proposed Bolton South constituency includes all seven wards that are currently located in the Bolton South East constituency along with the ward of Breightmet, currently located in the Bolton North East constituency.

70. Our proposed Westhoughton constituency combines the towns of Westhoughton, Hindley and Atherton with part of Leigh. We propose no change to the existing Wigan constituency.

71. With the transfer of Hindley to our proposed Westhoughton constituency, our proposed Makerfield constituency extends south east to incorporate Golborne. Our proposed Leigh constituency includes the towns of Irlam and Walkden with much of the town of Leigh. The remaining wards that are currently located in the Worsley and Eccles South constituency are combined with the town of Swinton in our proposed Swinton constituency.

Full report here (PDF)

Official Site: Boundary Commission Proposals (North West). The consultation period is between 6 March 2012 and 3 April 2012, with final recommendations by 1 October 2013.

---

S.W.A.N. pleased with outcome of the LDF Consultation

S.W.A.N. are pleased to report that following our contribution and involvement in the LDF Consultation and Inspection over previous months, noting that we were the only representatives of residents at the enquiry relating to Westhoughton, the Inspector upheld the original proposals outlined in the Core Strategy document, which effectively gives some relief and protection to Westhoughton from inappropriate and unnecessary development. This was adopted in March 2011, and is a statutory policy, which makes it difficult to change or modify. More…

---

Peel Holdings / Hulton Park

It has come to our attention that suggestions have been made that 1000s of houses may be built on greenbelt land recently acquired by Peel Holdings at The Houlton Park Estate. Existing national planning guidelines state that certain types of development, like housing, can only be given permission in exceptional circumstances. Housing is usually considered to be inappropriate development on greenbelt land and therefore planning permission is normally refused.

In light of the LDF consultation and its recent adoption, it is highly unlikely that the Bolton Council Planning would not object strongly and approval subsequently refused. To our knowledge Peel Holdings have not put forward any proposal for housing developments, indeed the only rumours have been regarding a possible Race Course or Center Parks type development. S.W.A.N. will naturally be monitoring any developments with this.

A reader writes to supply some information concerning Peel Holdings ambitions for Hulton Park and proposed planning changes and motorway access for business parks. More (Telegraph)… A situation that we will be monitoring.

---