1 week Ago
EXCLUSIVE Our neighbour is building a monstrosity home next door...
it's scandalous the council allowed it By STEWART WHITTINGHAM and SOPHIE CARLIN Published: 00:54 BST, 28 April 2025 | Updated: 00:55 BST, 28 April 2025 e-mail View comments Residents have blasted a 'monstrosity' house currently under construction which will destroy their stunning views of a moorland beauty spot. Neighbours have branded the decision to allow the new development in the town of Blackrod, Greater Manchester, 'crazy'. Many locals have lived in the area for more than 50 years and said the house will block out their views of nearby scenic hilltop Rivington Pike.
But the development near the picturesque viewpoint was approved by Bolton Council, despite fierce local opposition and objections from Blackrod Town Council. Retired security guard Vincent Walden, 88, who has lived in his house with his wife Gladys for 65 years, said: 'It's crackers. 'We love the view over to Rivington Pike from our garden but this will destroy it.
The decision by the council to build is madness. 'It's very upsetting. It will be horrendous when it's built.
' Builders are currently working on the site, made of two previously separate plots and bought by Barry Jackson - who refused to comment on the furore. Neighbours have branded the new development (pictured) in the town of Blackrod, Greater Manchester, a 'monstrosity' David Anderton (pictured), 75, said: 'It's a crazy decision to allow this monstrosity' Many residents have lived in the area for more than 50 years and said the house (pictured) will block out their views to the beauty spot of Rivington Pike Shocking images show the imposingly large development coming up uncomfortably close to a neighbour's fence. Even at this early stage, it casts a dark patch of shade into the garden of the otherwise sun-soaked property next door.
But the planning officer who dealt with the application for the development said in their report the plans are within the limits for both building height and proximity to another property. Mr Walden's neighbour Lisa Eatock, 52, said: 'It's a crazy decision to build it here. It will ruin our beautiful view and is so out of keeping with the place.
' David Anderton, 75, said: 'It's a crazy decision to allow this monstrosity. 'We are all angry about it as it will destroy our view. It should never have been allowed.
' Rivington Pike has long been a popular hillwalking destination, with Blackpool Tower, the Lake District's Cumbrian Fells and even the Isle of Man visible from the summit on clear days. Once the site of a beacon, the hilltop - visible from Blackrod, just a 20-minute drive away - now boasts a historic Grade II-listed tower, built in 1733 as a hunting lodge. The development (pictured) was approved by Bolton Council despite fierce local opposition as well as objections from Blackrod Town Council IT worker Christine Dixon (pictured), 57, said: 'Most people have objected to it' She continued: 'It is just too large and out of keeping with the area'.
Pictured: The street the development is taking place on Rivington Pike (pictured) has long been a popular hillwalking destination, with Blackpool Tower, the Lake District's Cumbrian Fells and even the Isle of Man visible from the summit on clear days. Pictured: File photo Her neighbour Joan Calderbank, 77, said: 'It's a mad decision to allow this'. Pictured: The site from above Builders are currently working on the site (pictured) which has been bought by Barry Jackson, who refused to comment on the furore Read More EXCLUSIVE We stopped a developer building 300 new homes.
.. but they got revenge in a VERY spiteful way But now the new build threatens Blackrod locals' view of the beauty spot, IT worker Christine Dixon, 57, said: 'Most people have objected to it.
'It is just too large and out of keeping with the area. 'It will totally ruin the views over to the moors for a lot of people and there will be traffic and access problems.' Her neighbour Joan Calderbank, 77, said: 'It's a mad decision to allow this.
We have a stunning view but that is going to be ruined. 'It's a pretty depressing thing to have happened.' Student Jess Dobson, 28, said: 'I'm shocked by the scale of it.
It's like another huge house. I thought it was just going to be an extension. 'The parking round here [is already bad] and the noise is only going to get worse.
Independent Blackrod Town councillor John Price said: 'It's a scandalous decision. We all objected to it but Bolton Council approved it. Student Jess Dobson (pictured), 28, said: 'I'm shocked by the scale of it' Independent Blackrod Town councillor John Price said: 'It's a scandalous decision' He continued: 'We all objected to it but Bolton Council approved it' 'I feel sorry for the residents', he continued: 'They are lovely people but they feel their views have just been ignored' The town councillor reckoned it was now 'very unlikely' that Bolton Council's decision to approve the development would be reversed Read More EXCLUSIVE Every NIMBY'S nightmare: How developer building 6,000 homes REFUSED to build £50m infrastructure 'I feel sorry for the residents.
They are lovely people but they feel their views have just been ignored. 'Some of the people will now face having people looking into their bedrooms. 'It is very unlikely it is going to be reversed now.
'It's just such a shame that the stunning views over towards Rivington are going to be ruined for so many people.' One mother, whose has two young daughters, said: 'It's outrageous. We'll have to keep our daughters' bedroom curtains closed.
'People are very unhappy with the decision.' Bolton Council have been approached for comment. Share or comment on this article: Our neighbour is building a monstrosity home next door.
.. it's scandalous the council allowed it e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted.
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