Refreshed plans for a transformational project in Bolton, which would pave the way for a bid to host the Ryder Cup, have been recommended for approval.
Bolton Council’s planning officers have given their backing to the proposals for Hulton Park which are set to go before committee members on Thursday, January 20.
Peel L&P is behind the scheme which, if approved, would see the site restored and redeveloped into a sport and healthy living destination as well as create 1,000 jobs.
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The proposals include a new health and wellbeing hub, a leisure facility based on local needs, a primary school, a village hall and a local village centre as well as a championship-grade golf course.
The plans are a refreshed vision of the proposals that were approved by the secretary of state in 2020.
Since then, Peel L&P has revisited them to incorporate a number of changes as a result of community feedback, in particular making the scheme more sustainable, inclusive and accessible as well as delivering more new community facilities for local people.
Richard Knight, Peel L&P’s director of planning and strategy, said: "We are delighted to see that Bolton Council’s officers see the overwhelming benefits of our planning application.
"We strongly believe that our vision for Hulton Park will create a sporting centre of excellence, not only bringing the Ryder Cup to Bolton but also developing a new generation of golfers and making the sport more accessible.
"The proposals will allow the public to access the park in a way that has never been possible before, creating new community facilities, public green spaces and new and improved footpaths and cycleways throughout the site.
"We appreciate the feedback and support we have received from the local community as we have prepared this application. It has evolved considerably since the previous application that was approved by the council and secretary of state in 2020.
"It presents a refreshed vision for the site, reflecting local feedback and aspirations. It will deliver considerably more benefits for nearby communities in Over Hulton and Westhoughton and significantly reduces the number of new homes on Green Belt land.
"We look forward to making our case for the approval of the application to the councillors at the committee meeting on 20th January in line with their officer’s recommendation.
"This would enable us to proceed with the Ryder Cup bid, for which Hulton Park has been shortlisted and on which a final decision is expected to be made in a few months’ time."
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