NEW plans put forward to develop the Hulton Park estate have failed to win over opponents following a public consultation.

Opposition group, Hulton Estate Area Residents Together (HEART), is still fighting the plans in any form.

New plans for the estate put by developers Peel L&P include fewer houses, a new village hall and allotments.

Plans were previously granted approval in 2020 for 1,036 homes and a potential Ryder Cup hosting golf course on the estate, which borders Over Hulton, Westhoughton and Atherton.

This has been scaled down over time to include fewer houses, the number of which is yet to be confirmed, with more of the green belt also retained, according to the developers Peel L&P.

Peel has also confirmed a number of new changes from recent public feedback. This includes a new village hall for the Over Hulton community, the provision of allotments for the local community, more access into the historic parkland, with additional routes for cyclists and walkers, and the creation of a young people’s strategy to maximise the opportunities of the project for current and future young people in the area.

Other new aspects of the scheme include a health and wellbeing hub and Chequerbent Barns, a flexible food and drink venue for the community capable of hosting events such as markets and food festivals.

The Bolton News: Artist impression of primary school

(CGI image of a proposed primary school to be made with the Peel L&P Hulton Park proposal)

So far two community liaison group meetings have now taken place, involving community groups and elected members, with more meetings scheduled for the future.

Peel speak highly of these meetings, but HEART’s chairman, David Chadwick 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 still think the plans are ridiculous, we don’t believe for one second that the Ryder Cup will come to Bolton. This is just window dressing, it’s completely naive to think this will placate local residents and group members.

“It’s been clear for years that Peel have been eyeing up the green space in west Bolton. Everything from Hulton up to Blackrod feels under threat.

“We are against the plans in any form and will keep fighting against it at whatever stage it comes to.”

Other groups have appreciated the feedback meetings however.

Karen Edwards, charity chief executive officer at Bolton Lads & Girls Club said: “We look forward to continuing the Community Liaison Group meetings as the plans for Hulton Park develop. As a youth club and registered charity based in Bolton, we are proud to represent young people across the borough and we will work to make sure that the development incorporates facilities that support young people’s mental and physical wellbeing.”

Richard Knight, director of land and communities at Peel L&P, said: “We want to thank everyone that has taken the time to participate in the public consultation on our refreshed vision for Hulton Park.

The Bolton News: Hulton Park1

“The feedback has provided a range of interesting views and ideas that we have been carefully considering before submitting a planning application to Bolton Council.

“The council will undertake its own formal consultation on the plans once we have submitted them, to provide residents with a further opportunity to share their views.”

Contact Peel for feedback via the website: hultonpark consultation.co.uk.