Revised plans for the redevelopment of the Hulton Park Estate to create an 'international sports destination and resort' have been submitted.
The developers, Peel L&P, have now confirmed that they will be looking to build 1,036 homes on the estate, which borders Over Hulton, Westhoughton and Atherton, replicating the scheme approved by Bolton Council and the Secretary of State in 2020.
Opposition groups, such as Hulton Estate Area Residents Together (HEART), are still fighting the plans in any form.
The scheme has been revised on multiple occasions since this approval, reducing the impact on green belt land.
Other aspects that have been added recently include improved pedestrian and cycle access, and allotments and a new village hall for Over Hulton. Alongside this a health and wellbeing hub to support facilities such as a lido, gym and space for exercise class has been added.
Peel L&P have also revealed the inclusion of 'Chequerbent Barns' — what they describe as a 'flexible food and drink venue'.
These aspects have been added after a period of public consultation in June in which concerns about the lack of suitable facilities for the local community were raised. The construction of a new primary school is now also part of the plans.
A wide range of new homes, including affordable properties 'designed to meet local needs', are also promised with the redevelopment of the area said to create more than 1,000 jobs and at least £1.6bn in economic benefits.
Richard Knight, Peel L&P’s Director of Land and Communities, said: “These new plans for Hulton Park have been developed in close consultation with the local community and a number of changes and additions have been made as a result of that feedback.
“We’re excited to be submitting plans that would open up over 800 acres of private land for public benefit, to bring many health and wellbeing benefits to people of all ages in Bolton and Greater Manchester, as well as improvements to transport infrastructure and the environment and a mix of new homes to help meet local needs.
“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.”
HEART’s chairman, David Chadwick recently said members of the group are still very much against the plans.
“I think it’s naive if they think this will soften the blow for residents. We still feel the same way as we have always done,” he said.
"We are against the plans in any form and will keep fighting against it at whatever stage it comes to.”
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.
Contact Peel for feedback via the website: hultonpark consultation.co.uk.
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