Although site developer Peel Land has planning permission for the scheme, the development can only proceed if Bolton secures the rights to host the Ryder Cup in 2035.
Selection delays for the prestigious international golf event’s venue have put pressure on Peel’s timeline, as its current planning permission expires in October this year. The developer plans to start some minor works to maintain active planning permission.
They plan to build a ceremonial driveway at the location ‘for the benefit of existing tenants’. A deed of variation regarding the scheme will be presented before Bolton Council’s planning committee on January 30.
Peel Land’s proposed variation aims to allow ‘limited works’ without a definite choice on the Ryder Cup site. The report for the council states: “At the time of the Hulton Park planning permission, it was envisaged that the decisions on the selection of the venues and the award of hosting rights for the 2031 and 2035 Ryder Cups would be made in 2023 or 2024.
“This followed the selection of the Hulton Park site as a short-listed candidate venue by UK Sport and Ryder Cup in 2021. Due to circumstances outside the applicants’ control, the process has been delayed without a clear indication of when this matter would be clarified.
“It is extremely unlikely that the selection process for the 2035 Ryder Cup will be concluded to enable the permission to be commenced prior to the expiry of the permission in October 2025. One of the factors in the selection process for the Ryder Cup would be whether the site has an extant planning permission.”
Peel currently has full planning permission for restoration works to Hulton Park, the development of a golf resort, clubhouse, golf academy and a hotel. It also has outline planning permission for the residential development of up to 1,036 homes, a village centre, village hall, community allotments, primary school, short stay holiday accommodation and highways infrastructure.
Last month, a spokesman for Peel said the proposed works will not change the plans but will ensure continued progress to unlock the ‘transformational investment’. He added: “This is a transformational opportunity for Bolton – not only as a sporting venue and cultural destination but as a catalyst for long-term economic growth, job creation and investment.
“Our commitment to delivering the benefits of this project remains as strong as ever. The works proposed are a critical step in safeguarding the momentum we’ve built together with our public and private sector partners to unlock this major investment. “
The Hulton Park scheme was approved on appeal by a government planning inspector in 2022 who overruled Bolton Council’s decision to refuse it.
While the PGA of America has already confirmed its Ryder Cup venues in the US for 2029, 2033 and 2037, the European Tour Group’s Ryder Cup committee has yet to officially confirm venues for 2031 and 2035, although Camiral in Spain, formerly known as PGA Catalunya, is understood to be the front runner for 2031. Luton Hoo in Bedfordfordshire has also put its name in the ring for consideration to host the biennial event in 2035.