1 week Ago
An application to register land as a ‘village green’ to preserve it from future developments has been rejected for a second time following a council meeting. The application, which focused on land at Horrocks Fold between Belmont Road and Templecombe Drive in Sharples , was rejected with a five to three majority following the Licensing and Environmental Regulation Committee meeting on Tuesday April 22. Horrocks Fold in Sharples.
(Image: Newsquest) The campaign focusing on this specific piece of land has been ongoing for several years. Following an inquiry earlier this year, the application was previously rejected by the committee in January 2025. The issue was bought before council a second time after one of the objectors submitted an application for Judicial Review claiming that the council’s decision is erroneous in law and should be quashed.
Speaking at the council meeting , Cllr Sean Fielding said: “I think I speak for many members of the committee when I say that I was irritated to be invited back here today to reconsider a decision that had already been made in January. READ MORE: Bolton on street parking charges to rise as per new budget Bolton prices for pest control services detailed in new budget GMP's Bolton district report reveals 2024 crime stats Vote on creating 'village green' at Horrocks Fold, Bolton “Equally, I have a mandate from the people of Breightmet ward , who are all taxpayers in this borough, who if we were to be challenged in a judicial review that we could not successfully defend, it would be their pockets that are hit. Belmont Road in Sharples (Image: Google Maps) “I would suggest that if residents want to make sure that this land is protected, this council is currently going through the process of developing its local plan which will determine the green belt boundary going forward.
“And so, representations and campaigning would be better directed to ensuring that this piece of land remains in the green belt, and is therefore afforded significant protection, when the local plan is finalised.” Horrocks Fold. (Image: Newsquest) Speaking to The Bolton News Cllr John Walsh of Astley Bridge said: “I’m sad to say that by a five to three majority, the decision was overturned not to protect the village green.
“I think it’s deplorable, the council have failed residents here. The residents have the right to use footpaths, and the land is protected as it’s technically green belt land. “What I fear is that because of revised government policies in the push for more homes, there becomes a risk of new advocations and a weakened case to protect the land as greenbelt open space.
“I think that the protection of our green spaces is a very, very important issue, I’m ashamed of the decision that was made today because the council doesn’t deem the application as financially viable. “The residents and farmers use of the land has been totally compatible, and I see no reason why it can’t continue to be so.”.
