DOZENS of new homes in an area of the borough that has seen an influx of similar development have been signed off by the town hall.

The approved proposals from Bloor Homes include the demolition of disused buildings at Thompsons Farm off the East Lancs Road in Lowton.

A total of 68 properties – including detached, semi-detached and terraced housing – will then be constructed on the two hectare site near to Heath Lane.

The location borders another Bloor development that is already underway and is adjacent to a Wainhomes site.

Earlier this year a 24 property plot to the west of Heath Lane for Alderwood Homes was granted permission despite concerns about over-development in the area.

The town hall’s planning committee heard vast areas of Golborne and Lowton had been earmarked for around 1,000 homes as part of long-term housing strategies.

But, as of January this year, consent had been granted to more than 1,200 homes.

The Thompsons Farm plot, north of the A580 (East Lancs Road), is safeguarded land for "future development", according to an officer’s report.

Leigh Journal:

The Bloor Homes development in Lowton

And the plans will contribute to the council’s five-year housing land supply.

“The site is located on the periphery of a newly developed residential area and whilst not a previously developed site, it is within a sustainable location close to existing strategic highways infrastructure, public transport links and employment sites,” the report reads.

Lowton East Tory representative Cllr Kath Houlton had objected, the report reveals, citing concerns with the proximity to a kennels business on Heath Lane.

But officers said there is sufficient distance in the design layout to mitigate the impact of noise.

The developer will be expected to pay section 106 cash for the Golborne and Lowton Infrastructure Levy and contributions to off-site open space and play facilities.

Vehicle access to the site will be from the Bloor Homes development to the north west.