A public inquiry will be held later this year after proposals to build a luxury golf resort at Hulton Park in Bolton were rejected by a planning committee.
Peel L&P's plans for the historic site were approved by the Secretary of State in 2020, on the condition that the site was awarded the prestigious Ryder Cup golf tournament in 2031 or 2035. But in February of this year, councillors overwhelmingly voted against a revised vision for the site, which also included 1,036 homes, a primary school, short stay holiday accommodation, a hotel, conference centre and a village hall.
In May, Peel announced that the decision would be appealed and a date for a public inquiry has now been set. It will open on October 6 and representations can now be made on the Planning Inspectorate website.
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Even if the appeal is unsuccessful, Peel would still be able to build a golf course on the site, but only if it is chosen to host the Ryder Cup. The developers remain confident of this as it is one of only two English venues shortlisted by UK Sport and Ryder Cup Europe for an English bid for the event in 2031.
Richard Knight, director of planning and strategy at Peel L&P, said: “We already have the Secretary of State’s approval to redevelop Hulton Park and it is unfortunate that another public inquiry is needed for an improved proposal that responds to local feedback, but we now have another chance to articulate our case for this ambitious and transformative project.
“The restoration of Hulton Park is a generational investment opportunity, not only of itself, but the wider positive impact it would bring in terms of social impact for local communities around skills, health, participation and prosperity, not to mention the huge boost it would give to Bolton and its wider regeneration plans. We ask that anyone who wants to see this project go ahead sends their comments to the Planning Inspectorate using the details provided.
A series of community events and activities are also being planned at Hulton Park over the coming months, including a community archaeological dig with The University of Salford, walking tours, a summer fete and an arts event.
Mr Knight added: “We are also very pleased and excited that over the summer we will be opening the gates of Hulton Park with a diverse programme of events to engage people from across the town and beyond. We aim to showcase the incredible potential of Hulton Park and improve people’s understanding of what we trying to do.”
Bolton Wanderers chief executive Neil Hart also voiced his support for the proposals. He said: "The prospect of The Ryder Cup, one of the world's greatest sporting competitions coming to Bolton is extremely compelling.
"Bolton Wanderers is pleased to support this ambitious proposal, which would be a brilliant win for our town, delivering more accessible green space and new community sporting facilities. We therefore hope the planning appeal at forthcoming public inquiry is successful and we look forward to working closely with the project team over the coming months and years.”
Representations can be made using the Planning Inspectorate portal, searching for case number 3299644. They can also be made by post, writing to case officer Elizabeth Humphrey; The Planning Inspectorate; Temple Quay House; 2 The Square; Bristol; BS1 6PN.
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