Key Points
- Permission in principle for nine new dwellings has been applied for on land next to 649 Chorley Road, between Westhoughton and Blackrod.
- Applicants: Mr and Mrs Seema, Mahadev Khade made the application formally on July 30.
- Status: Planning department of the Bolton Council has approved the application and will consider the site for residential development.
- Application for permission to make the application: The application is made for permission to make the application (in principle) as a preliminary test of suitability of the land prior to the development of detailed architectural designs.
- Mining Risk Assessment: Coal Authority site plan reviewed and confirmed that the area is within a "Development Low Risk Area" and no specific objections were raised.
Westhoughton (Bolton Today) August 6, 2026 – Proposals for a new residential development between Westhoughton and Blackrod have officially entered the planning system following a formal application submitted to local authority officials.
As reported by Dan Dougherty of The Bolton News, applicants Mr and Mrs Seema and Mahadev Khade submitted an application on July 30 seeking permission in principle for nine new dwellings on land situated adjacent to 649 Chorley Road, Westhoughton, Bolton.
What is the Current Status of the Planning Application?
The planning submission has now been validated by Bolton Council. As reported by Dan Dougherty of The Bolton News, this validation marks the stage where the council’s planning department begins its formal evaluation to determine whether the proposed development is appropriate for the site or should be rejected.
What Does 'Permission in Principle' Mean for the Site?
The application has been submitted under the "permission in principle" planning route. As highlighted by Dan Dougherty of The Bolton News, this status means the submission is purely preliminary.
Approval of permission in principle does not grant immediate consent to begin construction work; rather, it establishes whether the location itself is suitable for residential use. This pathway allows applicants to assess land suitability without incurring the full financial costs associated with detailed planning applications.
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Have Statutory Bodies Raised Any Environmental or Safety Concerns?
Consultation with key statutory bodies has commenced as part of the initial assessment process. According to details reported by Dan Dougherty of The Bolton News, a document from the Coal Authority attached to the planning file confirmed that the location falls within a defined "Development Low Risk Area." Consequently, the Coal Authority stated it had no specific comments or objections to make regarding coal mining legacy risks on the plot.
What Are the Next Steps for the Proposed Development?
If Bolton Council grants permission in principle, prospective developers will be required to submit a subsequent technical details consent application. That stage will outline specific site layouts, building designs, access provisions, and landscaping before any physical construction can proceed on the Chorley Road site.