Northstone presses on at Horwich Golf Club

Following its victory at appeal in 2021, the Peel L&P subsidiary is seeking public input ahead of a reserved matters application for 276 homes.

Consultation is now open to members of the public on the detail for the proposals to deliver homes and public open space at land off Victoria Road.

The property giant secured outline consent by way of appeal last summer, with a planning inspector coming down on its side following a five-day inquiry, which Peel had pursued after Bolton Council refused different iterations of its £34m plans three times.

Northstone plans to build a first phase of 208 houses and apartments at the site, with 71 of them (34%) being classed as affordable. The housing mix has been shaped in consultation with local registered provider Bolton at Home.

Existing woodland will be retained and enhanced to maximise biodiversity and new links created to existing public rights of way, the company said.

A ‘green corridor’ will run throughout the site, and the plans also include new pedestrian and cycle connectivity as well as natural play equipment.

Joanna Allen, head of partnerships and development for Northstone, said: “Northstone wants to set a high standard for new, sustainable homes in this part of Bolton and we now want to hear how residents would like us to develop the detail of this already consented scheme to suit their needs and ambitions of the community.

“We’re excited to open up the site for new public space, footpaths, play areas and trees to allow new and existing residents to enjoy the natural environment surrounding their homes.”

Peel L&P acquired the golf club site in 2012 and has supported the continued operation of the nine-hole course since, an agreement due to reach its conclusion in 2023.

The firm is still mulling its options on a larger golf-related project elsewhere in the borough, after Bolton’s planning committee last month surprisingly voted against revised plans for a Ryder Cup-standard course in a £240m mixed-use scheme at Hulton Park.

A virtual exhibition for the Horwich scheme can be viewed online, with consultation set to run until 28 March.