CAMPAIGNERS are hoping to develop Hulton Lane Playing Fields as a ‘community park’ .

The Hulton Community Action Group have proposed the idea as an alternative to plans to build up to 250 homes on the land.

Bolton Council rejected the plans for the homes but the decision could still be overturned, following a public inquiry earlier this month.

Mike Manville, Chairman of the action group, thinks that his alternative would create a “cleaner, greener Bolton”.

Mr Manville said: “We have put together our plans to assist the council in their goals for a cleaner greener Bolton.

“Our proposal is to create an urban community park to protect and preserve this land in accordance with the council’s core strategies.”

A brochure setting out the group’s vision looks at a number of climate friendly, environmental friendly and healthier options which aim to preserve the community’s health and mental wellbeing by encouraging walking and cycling, as well as improving sports facilities for cricket and football.

It states: “In our ever increasing polluted environments it is essential to preserve and protect open greenfield areas, particularly in deprived areas like Hulton, which we might remind you was recently reported as the most polluted area in Bolton.

“We firmly believe that giving communities the power to protect green spaces in towns and cities is fundamentally important to their local environment and will benefit the well-being of people and wildlife.

“The natural environment matters to all of us, we all have an interest in protecting it and making it better.

“Working together we can be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.”

Earlier this month, a three-day public inquiry was also held to discuss the rejected plans for 250 homes.

A government-appointed planning inspector could decide to overturn the council’s decision to throw out the plans.

At the inquiry, concerns were raised about traffic. Executive member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel said: “As far as I’m concerned in terms of the effect the development will have on an already congested junction, there will be an increase.”

However, David Manley QC, who is representing the developers, questioned why the council has not done anything about traffic in the area if it is so bad.

The developers also argued that the benefits of the plans would outweigh other concerns because Bolton does not have enough housing planned for the next five years.

Decisions from the inquiry are due to be made by May 24.