The Planning Inspectorate has backed Peel L&P’s plans to regenerate Bolton’s Hulton Park Estate after the plans were rejected by Bolton Council’s planning committee in February.
Plans include a residential development of up to 1,036 new homes, a village centre and hall, community allotments, primary school, short-stay holiday facilities, and a range of retail, leisure, recreation, community and food and drink-related spaces.
Peel L&P will restore heritage assets in Hulton Park, including the pleasure grounds, dovecote, walled garden and lakes, while demolishing various existing buildings and structures to enable the development of a golf resort. Proposals include an 18-hole championship-grade course, clubhouse, golf academy, a hotel with adjoining spa and conference facilities, and ancillary buildings.
The reversed decision from Planning Inspectorate comes after “very significant” improvements were made to the original scheme resulting in social and economic benefits, as well as improvements in terms of transport, heritage, ecology, green belt and sustainability.
The plans have also received support from local and regional organisations including the University of Bolton and Bolton College, GreaterSport, CBI North West, Greater Manchester Chamber, Marketing Manchester, Bolton Wanderers FC and from members of the Bolton community.
Hulton Park is one of two English venues shortlisted by UK Sport and Ryder Cup Europe for a prospective English bid for the 2031 Ryder Cup. If the bid is successful, Hulton Park is projected to deliver around £250m of private sector investment.
Richard Knight, director of planning and strategy at Peel L&P, said: “We have always been committed to realising our vision for Hulton Park, proposals that will restore and revitalise the historic park while making golf more inclusive, providing better community facilities, more quality housing and improved transport infrastructure in addition to our contributions to make the development net zero.
“We want to continue working with the council and local stakeholders and residents to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of this opportunity.”
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