Plans unveiled for 167-home development on site of former farm

Housebuilder Bellway has acquired more than 19 acres of land in Westhoughton, further enhancing its presence in Bolton.The site, located off The Fairways, will be transformed into a new residential development comprising 167 new-build homes, include 58 affordable properties.Offering a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, the new development will provide a selection of 12 different house types, all from Bellway’s Artisan Collection.The housebuilder has made a start on site, with earth works well under way and the sales launch scheduled for autumn.Known as Royal Bowland Park, the development has been named after Bowland’s Hey, the historic farm that was previously situated on the land.While development of a greenfield site will always alter the original landscape, the housing will sit within the original field boundaries, with existing hedgerows retained and enhanced further.Native planting will be added within the site and especially to the periphery of the development.The pond located to the south west of the site will remain, too. The housebuilder will also introduce a central public open space area with play equipment for children to play and families to congregate.In addition to the new development, Bellway has made several significant financial contributions to the locality, including £506,925 towards education and £28,536 towards highways, as well as 35% affordable housing.