A decision is due on the demolition of the current clubhouse at a golf club to allow for an up-to-date clubhouse and 12 homes.

Bolton Old Links Golf Club on Chorley Old Road applied for planning permission from the council more than three years ago.

The development includes the demolition of the current clubhouse which is from the 1800s. The development does not include the demolition of Grade-II Horrobin Cottage which is on the same site in the Green Belt.

Its aim is to allow for an up-to-date clubhouse in the area around the tenth hole and for 12 homes in the area around the cottage.

The application said the golf club could be considered for golf competitions by the Professional Golf Association and other organisations as it was between the years of 1972 and 1998 if the work were to go ahead.

(Image: C4 Projects)

The application said: "Bolton Old Links Golf Club is seeking to improve its off-course facilities and to introduce higher profile amateur golf competitions and professional golf competitions at the course in line with those in the years of 1972 until 1998 when the course was downgraded by the Professional Golf Association and other organisations due to inadequate off-course facilities."

A report recommends the approval of the application by the Planning Committee at the town hall on September 12.

There was opposition from two residents at the time of a consultation this year and from three residents at the time of an initial consultation more than three years ago over issues including light pollution, noise pollution, the impact on the historic buildings and the impact on the Green Belt.

The report said: "Following assessment of the effect on the appearance and character of the local landscape and the openness and purposes of the Green Belt it is considered that the harm to the openness of the Green Belt is minor and the purposes of the Green Belt are not compromised."

The Planning Committee is at the town hall on September 12.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.