PLANS to build 24 houses were approved last week despite concerns raised about over development in the area.

A planning application to build the homes south of Heath Lane in Lowton, alongside the East Lancashire Road (A580), was granted by Wigan Council.

The Alderwood Homes development will have 12 detached and 12 semi-detached houses. Six of the homes will be available for affordable housing.

Lowton East councillors Edward Houlton and James Grundy issued objections to the initial scheme proposals last year, when the development was for 26 homes.

The Lane Head Residents Group also objected and a further 13 representations were made by residents.

The objections included concerns about over development of the site, the area's infrastructure capacity, a loss of green open space and air pollution.

In his representation, Cllr Houlton said: "I object most strongly to the planning application, to allow more houses to be built in this already congested area would be totally unbearable for the residents who already have to endure the volume of traffic and pollution every day.

"The triangle piece of land that is proposed for development is a buffer from the pollution from all the traffic on the A580. This pollution would fall directly onto the owners of the new homes.

"Pollution is a recognised health hazard and to endanger the health of future residents of Lowton is not acceptable.

"Please refuse this application on the grounds of known health and pollution danger including vibration and audible sound."

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An air quality assessment at the site concluded that it is "considered suitable for residential use".

A council planning report said: "There is no evidence that there is insufficient capacity within the local infrastructure to accommodate the scale of development proposed in this application, nor have any objections been received from relevant statutory consultees.

"The proposal is therefore considered to constitute sustainable development."

As part of the Golborne and Lowton Infrastructure Assessment, a guide to inform the council about applications related to the area, Alderwood Homes will make a contribution of £162,600 towards infrastructure.

The applicant will also pay £40,080 for off-site amenity open space and play provision and £2,850 for electric vehicle charging points.