Rowland appeals Bolton Grey belt rejection
Summary
Rowland Homes is appealing Bolton Council’s refusal of outline permission for 80 homes on a six-acre site off Arthur Lane, arguing the land should be treated as Grey Belt rather than Green Belt. The appeal will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate, with the council’s position potentially weakened by an estimated 4.15-year housing land supply and recent appeal outcomes that have favoured Grey Belt arguments.
Why it matters
The case is relevant to surveyors involved in planning, valuation and development appraisal because it highlights how Grey Belt arguments are being tested in appeal decisions. It also illustrates the practical importance of housing land supply evidence when assessing residential scheme prospects on edge-of-settlement sites.
Key points
- Rowland Homes is appealing refusal of an 80-home scheme in Bolton, including 40 affordable homes.
- The developer says the site off Arthur Lane is Grey Belt, not Green Belt.
- Bolton Council’s own planning team reportedly supported the Grey Belt interpretation, but the council refused the application.
- Recent Grey Belt appeals have largely succeeded, with a cited 16 out of 20 allowed.
- Pegasus estimates Bolton’s housing land supply at 4.15 years, below the five-year benchmark.
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