A public inquiry is set to begin this week into one of Bolton’s biggest and most controversial building projects.

The inquiry into plans by developers Peel L&P to build a Ryder Cup standard golf course at Hulton Park will take place over two days at the Holiday Inn on Higher Bridge Street, starting tomorrow.

Bolton Council had rejected plans to build the golf course along with more than 1000 homes in February this year but has since announced that the authority will not defend this decision at the inquiry.

The Bolton News: The ambitious plans will see a £240million luxury golf course builtThe ambitious plans will see a £240million luxury golf course built

Richard Knight, Peel L&P’s Director of Planning and Strategy said: “We acknowledge Bolton Council’s latest position on our Hulton Park proposals and understand that it will not be defending any of the reasons for its refusal of the plans.

“Our proposals to redevelop and restore Hulton Park have already received planning permission from the council in 2018 followed by the Secretary of State in 2020 and the revised plans we’ve now submitted are for a much-improved scheme that takes on board further feedback from the community.”

The public inquiry will hear evidence both supportive of and in opposition to the bid.

Supporters, including Peel L&P themselves have long argued that the golf course will bring huge economy benefits to Bolton and will leave a lasting sporting legacy in the borough.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Marketing Manchester, Bolton Wanderers FC and Bolton College have also sent letters of support for the bid to the inquiry.

The Bolton News: Campaign groups like HEART have opposed the developmentCampaign groups like HEART have opposed the development (Image: Newsquest)

The letter from Wanderers CEO Neil Hart says that hosting the Ryder Cup will “further put Bolton on the international stage and also claims that more than 1000 jobs and training opportunities will be created by the development.

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ALSO READ: Bolton Wanderers back £240m 'Ryder Cup' golf course scheme as inquiry date set

But critics of the scheme have long argued that instead the greenbelt parkland should be protected and that the luxury course would not necessarily prove to be a benefit to the entire community.

Campaign groups like HEART have also pointed out that the Ryder Cup tournament may not be allocated to Bolton, which would through the rest of the scheme into doubt.

The inquiry will be held on October 6 and 7.