Protecting Harpfords' green space

Harpfords' green space is a place for everyday moments—dog walks, children’s kickabouts, birdsong, and breathing room. We are forming a residents group to conserve it for community use and biodiversity.

Context Share your testimony
View across the Harpfords green space
The area we seek to conserve for people and wildlife.

Recent reporting & context

Local press has reported that the land is under consideration for disposal/sale. If the land is sold, it could be marketed for housing development. Community members are concerned this would remove a well-used informal green space and weaken community connections.

Source citation: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25508247.earls-farm-land-sold-council-disposal-plan/
  • Article: “Earls Farm and other land to be sold under council disposal plan” — The Bolton News, [02 October 2025]. Read the article.
  • Developer mention: The other sites approved for sale include: - Newby Road (former site of St Andrew’s Chapel), Breightmet - Rasbottom Street, Rumworth - Harpford Close (land off Willand Drive), Breightmet
  • All five sites had originally been identified for disposal in December 2020, subject to meeting best value requirements. Following officer reviews in 2025, councillors agreed that putting the sites on the open market was the next step to achieve both capital receipts and housing delivery https://bolton.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s9740/.

We are actively verifying details with the council and the landowner. This page will be updated as formal information is released.

Update: Officially an Asset of Community Value

We are pleased to confirm that our application to register the Harpford Close/Willand Drive green space as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) has now been officially accepted by the council. This recognition reflects the space’s importance to local residents and strengthens community involvement in any future decisions about the land.

What this means

ACV status brings specific protections and responsibilities into play:

  • Community right to bid: If the land is put up for sale, the community gains the first opportunity to prepare a bid, supported by a legally defined moratorium period.
  • Material consideration: Any proposed development must take the ACV designation into account during the planning process.
  • Formal recognition: The council has acknowledged that this green space holds significant community value, helping us to secure time and visibility as we work to protect it.

This is a major milestone for everyone who has supported the effort so far. More updates will be shared as we continue to work towards safeguarding the future of the Harpford Close/Willand Drive green space.

Primary members

Karl Butterworth
Chair
Sarah Strickleton
Secretary
Lisa Davenport
Treasurer
Mark Strickleton
Resident Member / Liaison