CAMPAIGNERS opposing a development at a golf course say they are braced for a housebuilder's second attempt to overturn Bolton Council's decision.

Peel L&P’s latest plans to build hundreds of homes at Horwich Golf Course were thrown out by the council's planning committee last week.

But some have raised concerns the developer could appeal the decision.

This comes six months after a government-appointed inspector dismissed an appeal into previous plans to build 300 homes at the site off Victoria Road.

Town hall planners fear that the latest decision, to refuse permission for 276 houses, will not hold water at an appeal.

This is because inspector John Felgate was said to have “literally redrawn the plans” by suggesting what kind of development would be acceptable, drawing a “notional” line over the site and pointing to the South Field as the problem.

But Stocks Residents’ Association (SRA) chairman Malcolm Harrison said he was “disappointed” by the town hall’s approach to the development.

He said: “We are really disappointed. They’ve just taken certain parts from the inspector’s report.

“I think it’s widely open to interpretation and the officers don’t seem to be looking to come up with any form of argument.”

Mr Harrison said he has “no doubt” that Peel L&P will appeal the decision but believes that there are “substantial” grounds to defend the council’s decision.

The group put around £15,000 in legal costs at July’s public inquiry to fight the developer and intends to maintain its Rule 6 status at any future appeal.

Horwich North East councillor Richard Silvester, who was “delighted” about the decision to turn down the plans, pledged to continue support for the SRA in opposing the development.

He said: “The planning committee has reaffirmed its view that this land should become green belt in due course and that such development would cause great harm to the character and appearance of this beautiful part of Horwich.

“Our five-year housing supply target is increasing in Bolton and I am confident that if Peel should appeal, then yet again a planning inspector will uphold the decision of the planning committee as the decision is certainly very defendable.”

Speaking at the town hall on Thursday, his ward colleague, Cllr Marie Brady raised concerns that this development would result in a surplus of new housing in Horwich.

Peel L&P said it will “reflect” on the points raised by the committee before considering its next steps.