THE government should make a decision on the future of an historic 1,000-acre estate by the summer.

The final decision on a proposal for a major housing development and a Ryder Cup golf course at Hulton Park is expected to be made by the Secretary of State by June.

Planning inspector Karen Ridge has until March 9 to write her report on developer Peel L&P's plans following the three-week public inquiry which took place in October.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has a target of three months to decide whether he agrees with the report's recommendation.

This is the first time that the government has intervened in a decision by Bolton Council in such a way since the new Wanderers’ football stadium and the major out-of-town retail park in Middlebrook were signed off in 1995.

Peel L&P wants to build 1,036 homes, 142-bed hotel and a championship grade golf course on the condition it is chosen to host the Ryder Cup.