When plans to build a luxury golf resort on one of Bolton's most historic green spaces were rejected earlier this week, a sizeable number of local residents rejoiced.
In particular, campaigners from HEART (Hulton Estate Area Residents Together) have been very vocal in their opposition to the proposals since they were first mooted in 2016.
Dozens of objections were put in and after Bolton Council overwhelmingly voted the plans down on Thursday (February 24) developers Peel L&P blamed the decision on this "very localised opposition", as they referred to it.
Despite the local opposition, Peel cited "strong public support" for the plans in a statement on their website and claimed that due to the rejection, Bolton "has quite possibly missed out on the biggest investment in its history".
The proposed championship golf course was one of just two English venues shortlisted to host the prestigious Ryder Cup in 2031 and Peel claimed they were confident of securing the Government's backing due to 'levelling up' promises.
More than 1,000 homes, a primary school, short stay holiday accommodation, a hotel, conference centre and a village hall would have also been built.
Following the vote, the Manchester Evening News asked shoppers in Bolton town centre what they made of the decision.
Patrick Yates, 55, of Horwich, said he was "surprised" as he had lost faith in local politics.
"I didn't want it. I'm against building on green belt.
"I could see the Ryder Cup coming if it was built because we have Iron Man here and we used to have the marathon, but I just don't want it built in the first place.
"We're losing our history - it's like with Smithills (Coaching House). It was a protected area and now that's a housing estate.
"They're talking about developing Le Mans Crescent as well. It's ridiculous.
"Bolton's been going downhill for years, I think it started when they got rid of the market hall.
"I don't trust councillors and I'm surprised they've rejected this to be honest but I've lost interest in politics."
Graham Ashton, 69, believes that more housing is needed and that the Ryder Cup could have been good for the town.
"It wouldn't have bothered me if they'd done it but I can't say I'm annoyed that they haven't," he said.
"I live on the opposite side of town in Harwood.
"There's so few houses in the country and there's so much green land in the country. They've got to build them somewhere and I doubt you could build on it all.
"I suppose an event like the Ryder Cup would be good for Bolton but I don't know enough about it."
Another shopper added: "I don't know anything about golf but I'm just so glad that the green fields are being left alone.
"I think we need green belt for the next generation to enjoy."
The decision also stirred debate on social media.
Reacting to the news on Facebook, in the 'I Belong to Bolton' group, David Yates said: "Good decision. The golf course is just a ruse to build houses.
"The roads around there couldn't cope with an extra 2 to 3 thousands cars."
William Schofield disagreed: "Missed out in my opinion.
"People moaning Bolton is a s*** heap but refusing private investment.
"Ryder cup would put Bolton in the public eye over Europe and the USA probably attracting more investment."
Gloria Astley added: "I think it's a shame the revenue it would have brought into Bolton, also the prestige of bringing a major golf tournament to the area, would have been something nice for the area for a change instead of all this doom and gloom."
Peel claimed that the development would have created over 1,000 new jobs and delivered £1.6 billion in socio-economic benefits for Bolton and the wider economy.
It is unclear whether the developers will appeal the rejection, but they admitted they still need to decide what to do going forward.
Director of planning and strategy Richard Knight said: “We will now take the time to reflect on the decision and liaise with our partners to consider if there is any way the project can still be brought forward, or whether we now need to consider if there are alternative opportunities for restoring and bringing new life to Hulton Park.”
In terms of the UK's Ryder Cup bid, UK Sport were set to decide between the proposed Hulton Park course and London Golf Club by April of this year.
Once the UK's chosen course is sent to the European Tour for consideration, a final decision is set to be made in July.
