If approved, developer Peel is promising the new road could ‘cut peak journey times between the M61 and Chequerbent roundabout by up to six minutes’
CGI of the proposed new linear park at the Lee Hall development
Plans have been submitted for a huge residential scheme on land close to the M61. Peel Land plan to develop what they have named Lee Hall in Westhoughton, following public consultation in October.
The plans include a new Park Avenue link road to ease congestion at Chequerbent roundabout, 1,450 homes, employment space and a 15- acre park. Peel said the Lee Hall development is one of the first proposals to form part of the Northfold growth initiative across Bolton and Wigan. It said the family and affordable homes will help address the ‘longstanding shortfall of new homes in Bolton’.
New workspaces will be built on land between the M61 and Westhoughton. The developer said if the project was approved it will create 480 new permanent jobs on-site and many more during the construction phase.
The Park Avenue link road is a key part of the Lee Hall proposals. Peel said it would provide a long-term solution to the congestion issues in the area, with studies showing it could cut peak journey times between the M61 and Chequerbent roundabout by up to six minutes.
Peel Land have revealed development plans for Lee Hall in Westhoughton
Peel said traffic modelling they commissioned shows that if Park Avenue is not delivered, the delays experienced in the local area will get almost four and five times longer in the morning and evening peak respectively, as planned growth across the Northfold corridor come forward.
The need to provide homes and upgrade road links to the east of Westhoughton was first identified almost 60 years ago in the 1968 Urban Structure Plan for Westhoughton.
Over recent decades it has featured in several plans but remains undelivered. Peel said the current plans will deliver ‘this longstanding vision for Westhoughton’, providing infrastructure-led growth that unlocks major benefits for the town.
None of the proposed residential development lies within the green belt.
Nick Graham, associate planning director at Peel Land said: “Our recent public consultation highlighted the community’s strong desire for a solution to the longstanding traffic woes at Chequerbent, which we know will only increase over time.
“Our proposals for Lee Hall – which will fulfil a vision first set nearly 60 years ago for an east wing of Westhoughton – will deliver this, alongside new homes, a school, care home, community facilities, and the park, providing major benefits for existing and future residents.”
The plans include a new public park for Westhoughton, a community hub for local groups, charities and clubs and potential for a new primary school.” Planners in Bolton will decide on the plans in the coming months.