A public enquiry into plans to develop Bolton’s Hulton Park Estate into a golf and leisure venue capable of hosting a future Ryder Cup begins this week.
The two-day inquiry, which is taking place at the Holiday Inn, Bolton from October 6-7, follows Bolton Council’s rejection of landowner Peel L&P’s revised plans for the historic Hulton Park estate earlier this year.
Previous proposals were approved by Bolton Council in 2018 and the UK Secretary of State in 2020. The Council’s Planning Committee then refused the revised plans in February 2022, however it is understood that authority will not defend this decision at the inquiry.
Peel L&P insist that the project will deliver around £250m of private sector investment, creating over 1,000 jobs overall in the Bolton and Greater Manchester area, plus boosting local tourism and events. The plans are underpinned by the landowner’s stated ambition to bring the 2031 Ryder Cup to Bolton, and would be complemented by regular golf, community and other events.
Ahead of the Inquiry, Peel L&P have issued details of a planned academy and golf course, including a driving range, learning spaces, adventure golf course and a par-3 course, where young and inexperienced golfers can learn the game.
The revised plans provide greater community benefits and additional transport infrastructure and reduce the level of housebuilding within the Green Belt. The initial plans included the building of 1,000 new homes.
Hulton Park would be restored and opened-up for community access for the first time in its 700-year history, delivering 15km of new and improved public walking and cycling trails for families, residents and visitors to enjoy.
Richard Knight, Director of Planning and Strategy at Peel L&P said: “We’ve said it before, but this is a huge opportunity for Bolton. The boost to the local economy, and the prosperity and wellbeing of local communities arising from such a project would be enormous.
“Bringing The Ryder Cup – one of world’s premier sporting events – to Bolton would be an Olympic moment for the town, but our proposals are about so much more. There would be regular golf events, but also a venue for conferencing, staycations, days out – all of which would help regenerate the area. The plans include new facilities and infrastructure for the community, and much-needed new homes with a reduced impact on the Green Belt than our previously approved plans.”
He added: “By opening Hulton Park to the public for the first time in history, local people will benefit from vastly improved access to greenspace including new and improved public walking and cycling trails in the historic parkland. Our successful Hulton Park Happenings events this summer – and others taking place later this month – are demonstrating the Park’s potential to host a range of community events long into the future.
“Alongside our supporters, we look forward to articulating our case for this ambitious and transformative project at the Inquiry this week. We are continuing discussions with Ryder Cup Europe and UK Sport, and if we are successful with the appeal we hope to see that process move forward quickly.”
Critics of the scheme have argued that the greenbelt parkland should be protected and that the golf resort would not benefit the entire community. Campaign groups, including HEART (Hulton Estate Area Residents Together), have also pointed out that the Ryder Cup may not be allocated to Bolton, which would throw the rest of the scheme into doubt.
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Marketing Manchester, Bolton Wanderers FC and Bolton College have sent letters of support for the bid to the inquiry.