The demolition of the current clubhouse at a golf club can go ahead after it was approved by Bolton Council.

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

The development includes the demolition of the current clubhouse which is from the 1800s but it 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 as a result of the work.

(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."

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 application was approved by the council at a meeting of the Planning Committee on September 12.

A planning officer said: "The harm is localised and minimal and neither [the clubhouse nor the homes] will harm the five purposes of including land within the Green Belt."

Susan Priest, a councillor for Smithills Ward, said: "There is a minimal impact on the Green Belt and there is the survival of the golf club so I move that this is approved."

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