Residents will be able to press ahead with plans to create a village style neighbourhood.

Over Hulton Neighbourhood Forum has been given the green light to continue giving residents a real chance to influence and shape the place they live in.

Bolton Council approved the  re-designation of the forum, which was necessary as their five- year tenure had expired.

Diane Parkinson, Chair of Over Hulton Neighbourhood Forum said "This is excellent news which now means that the Forum are once again an official body who will be able to progress with the remaining steps of getting a Neighbourhood Plan in place for Over Hulton which are to include an independent examination of the Plan and referendum stages.“

Neighbourhood planning is a  way for communities to have a say in the future of the places where they live and work. It gives residents the power to produce a plan with real legal weight that directs development in your local area. This includes choosing where homes and businesses should be developed, what they should look like as well as getting support and grants to develop their plans.

The Bolton News: Over Hulton Neighbourhood Plan Meeting

It will also look to remove or minimise flood risk and reduce carbon footprint, review opportunities for sustainable development and minimise the impact of development on local traffic and infrastructure.

In December 2023, residents were invited to have their say in the consultation stage, which had been exciting news for the forum after years of trying to get to this stage.

Carolyn Bevis, on behalf of the neighbourhood plan forum, said: "It has taken us six years to get to this point since Covid delayed it.

“We cannot stop any developments, but we can stop the inappropriate ones, and this gives residents a voice about what they want to see.

“Residents can come and give their feedback and let us know if there is something they want to see.”

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"It is the heritage of the town as a lot of people do not want that to leave."

More information is available at https://www.overhultonneighbourhoodplan.org.uk/ All new members are welcome, and can drop the Forum a line at overhulton.np@gmail.com for details.