Peel submits revised Hulton Park plans

Peel L&P has submitted revised proposals for its Hulton Park golf resort in Bolton. The number of new homes has now been significantly reduced to 1,036, despite plans to increase the number to 1,300. The number is the same as the scheme previously approved by Bolton Council and the Secretary of State. Peel said it had scaled back the number of homes in the areas of the estate designated as green belt or registered park and garden by around half, to provide more green space for environmental and community purposes. The developer’s draft masterplan also includes a new community food and drink venue with scope to host markets and food festivals, and improved public access to the estate. While the site will continue to be anchored by a luxury hotel and conference facility, it will expand with a new boutique hotel and dining offer, lodges, and “getaway pods”. It will also feature a new primary school and a wellbeing centre. The scheme was approved in 2020 dependent on securing the rights to host the Ryder Cup in 2031 or 2035, for which the venue has been shortlisted. A decision is expected in early 2022. Peel L&P’s director of land and communities, Richard Knight, said: “We recognise there remains some local concern around the project. Many issues were fully dealt with through the previous inquiry, but we have now taken time to listen and reflect on those concerns and make a number of changes. “The revised masterplan is a big improvement on a scheme that has already been approved by both Bolton Council and the UK government, so with many of the principles already accepted, we hope to receive a positive decision and we will continue working with local partners towards positive outcomes for the local area.” To send feedback, e-mail piers.wehner@eg.co.uk or tweet @PiersWehner or @EGPropertyNews