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A controversial scheme to build a luxury golf course and hundreds of houses has been branded as "emblematic of broader failure." The long debated Hulton Park scheme , valued at £240M, which aims to build a Ryder Cup level golf course at Over Hulton, was approved in 2022 when Government inspectors overruled Bolton Council . But permission for the scheme, which will also see the erection of around 1,000 houses, had been on the condition that the venue be chosen to host the Ryder Cup in 2031 or 2035.
At what turned out to be a stormy meeting in January this year Peel was given permission to start work on the two-metre-long strip of road by Bolton Council’s planning committee by October. Speaking at a Westminster Hall debate last week, Bolton West MP Phil Brickell slammed the "lack of critical oversight" regarding the project surrounding a lack of viable transport infrastructure. Mr Brickell said: “Hulton Park is a significant development, but it suffers from a critical oversight, a lack completely of sustainable transport options.
“Local public transport links are virtually non-existent. That will force future residents to rely almost entirely on cars and will snarl up the already overly congested roads for my constituents. “I am sure colleagues agree that we should not rubber-stamp major housing projects without properly considering how people will get to work and school and access sustainable essential services locally in a convenient manner.
“ The first phase of the works will be limited to construction of part of the ceremonial driveway connecting Newbrook Road A579, and the restoration of the park entrance and lodge. Phil Brickell raised the issue of sustainable transport links last week at Westminster Hall. (Image: Office of Phil Brickell) Last month, Peel confirmed that no works are proposed at this time but that they will be making further announcements throughout the year.
The latest part of the were put forward on Thursday, February 20 this year. The application says that current phase of the works is intended to make sure the wider project remains "live." Mr Brickell went on to add that such lack of foresight was likely to contribute to congestion in the area, which is already creating pressures on local infrastructure.
He said: “In Bolton West, we already have severe congestion at Four Lane Ends in Hulton, where traffic bottlenecks daily and pedestrian facilities are extremely limited. “The recent proposal for two additional housing developments in Leigh, one of which is particularly large, will only compound the issue. The Hulton Park scheme was approved in 2022.
(Image: L&P) “For me, the Hulton Park development is emblematic of a broader failure to link transport planning, house building and, crucially, economic growth. “It is about delivering economic growth by ensuring connectivity between new developments and workplaces. READ MORE: Bolton Council passes bid to keep Hulton Park plan 'alive' 'Crucial step' taken towards Hulton Park scheme in Bolton Work set to start on 'Ryder Cup' Hulton Park scheme "It is about reducing emissions, improving air quality and ensuring that everyone has fair access to transport.
" He added: “This is about more than convenience; it is about the future of our towns and our cities. “I urge the Minister: let us not only build the homes that we need but build them with the infrastructure they deserve.” A spokesperson for Peel Land said "Hulton Park proposals would deliver huge benefits for the local area, including being the catalyst for new transport investment, in the form of a new bypass and link road of Chequerbent roundabout, that will help alleviate local traffic congestion, along with 15km of new and improved walking and cycling routes, and improved connections to bus and rail services.
"We have now met with Mr Brickell, subsequent to the comments in Parliament, to explain the proposals. "We have agreed to provide a further briefing on the transport proposals and how the planning inspectors and the Secretary of State have concluded there would be significant transport benefits arising from the scheme." Bolton Council will aim to decide on the phase of the plans for the ceremonial driveway and park entrance and lodge restoration by Thursday April 17.
A spokesperson from Bolton Council said: “Westhoughton is a key location for new high skilled jobs and good quality housing through NorthFold, a strategic growth corridor for Bolton and Wigan. “By 2035, NorthFold will be an established investment location within Greater Manchester, focused on driving economic growth and innovation. “Hulton Park and the bid for the 2035 Ryder cup remains a key part of the vision for Northfold.
“The road corridor from J5 of M61 to J28 of M6 has always been a strategic priority and a bid in 2018 to Homes England could not be supported but the aim remains to continue to work with GMCA to identify other funding solutions to be able to deliver the required road infrastructure.” Peel Landholdings has been contacted for comment..
