Peel L&P plans for Hulton Park receive recommendation for approval

The planned restoration and redevelopment of Hulton Park in Bolton by Peel L&P has received a boost after being recommended for approval.Peel L&P plans to create a new international sports destination and resort and provide a mix of housing. The proposals are dependent upon securing the rights to host the Ryder Cup in 2031 or 2035, for which the venue has been shortlisted, with a decision due in early 2022.In a boost for the bid, Bolton Council’s planning officer has now recommended that councillors approve the application, stating that “there remains a particularly strong and unique case for the grant of planning permission. “The comments have made ahead of a planning committee discussing the application next Thursday (20 January). If approved, Peel L&P’s plans will provide 15.6km of new and upgraded Public Rights of Way, including 3.8km of additional ‘permissive paths’ through Hulton Park, trails and cycle paths, further opening up the Estate to the public. It will deliver a new health and wellbeing hub, a leisure facility, a new primary school, a village hall and a village centre, inclusive to all residents. New public open space, such as the Pretoria Park, will be made available, as well as one hectare for community allotments. The plans will unlock £1.6bn in socio-economic benefits for Bolton and the wider region over the next 20 years with the delivery of a championship-grade golf course that will underpin a bid to host the Ryder Cup. It will also create 1,000 jobs, apprenticeships and internships in partnership with local education providers.The planning application is a refreshed vision of the proposals that had been approved by the secretary of state in 2020.