Bolton’s planning blueprint approved

Bolton Council said it is the first Greater Manchester authority to have its core strategy document approved.

The document sets out the priorities and targets for planning in the borough up to 2026, with policy detail for housing, employment, retail and transport development.

The Planning Inspectorate has now formally signed off the document in all its key proposals.

Among the plans in the core strategy are a mixed-use redevelopment of Horwich Loco Works by Orbit and Bluemantle for employment and housing. A supplementary planning document to guide the development of the site is being prepared by the council.

The planning inspector also supported the development of a strategic employment site at Cutacre, owned by UK Coal.

The document allocates between 145 to 165 hectares of land for employment use whereas previously it was 175 to 195 hectares. This change arose as the council resolved to reduce the amount of green belt required for development on the Cutacre site by almost two thirds.

Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, Bolton Council's executive member for development and regeneration, said: "We're really pleased that all our hard work has paid off and the inspector has approved our plan. We will be writing to everybody who made formal representations when we consulted with the public, to let them know the outcome. The plan, together with the inspector's report is also viewable on our website."

The council is expected to vote in favour of adopting the core strategy in March.