A decision on plans to build more than 1,000 homes and a Ryder Cup compatible golf course has been delayed after new documents were lodged at the last minute.
Bolton council’s planning committee gathered, along with more than 50 protesters, at a special meeting at Bolton Town Hall to decide on the highly controversial plans.
However, the meeting lasted just seven minutes with the committee told by chairman Coun John Walsh that a significant amount of new documentation on the plans had been submitted in the prior 24 hours, leaving it ‘inappropriate’ to proceed with the debate and decision.
READ MORE: Tyldesley murder investigation: Police make fifth arrest over death of Thomas Williamson
Developers Peel want to build an ‘international sports destination’ elite golf course, more than 1,000 homes, a hotel, school and other leisure facilities on the huge Hulton Park Estate.
Councillor Walsh told the committee he was proposing deferment of the meeting after the council received a 38-page document and at least two other submissions in the preceding day.
He said: “You cannot be seen to be doing justice to all of the points made in those documents when so many were received just 24 hours before the vote was taken.
“We must be absolutely transparent and above reproach on this.”
He apologised to those members of the public packing the public gallery and said he acknowledged that many had taken time off work to attend the 2pm meeting.
The committee voted unanimously to defer the decision to a future date.
Committee members Nick Peel and Roger Hayes spoke briefly to support the deferral and sympathise with the wasted time for all those attending.
The plans had received dozens of objections from the public and Westhoughton Town Council, who said it was not appropriate to develop the green belt land and the new homes and golf course would add to already serious traffic congestion.
Speaking after the meeting, Westhoughton South councillor Chris Hill said: “The campaign group have sent out loads of leaflets to get people to this meeting.
“It’s strange that documents were filed so late in the day.
“Maybe Peel didn’t want so many here opposing their plans when the decision was made.”
Hulton ward councillor Derek Bullock also said there had been ‘significant strength of feeling’ by many of his constituents against the plans.
He said the delay would mean they could extend their opposition and absorb any new information before the committee met again.
Coun Walsh said that the meeting will take place before the end of February.
Speaking following the decision, Richard Knight, director of planning and strategy at Peel L&P said: “Given the importance of this project, we respect the council’s decision to defer.
“The additional documents were from a number of parties and do not raise new issues but it’s right that people should have the opportunity to review them, so we support the council’s decision and appreciate the time everyone has taken to attend today’s committee.
“We have worked extremely hard to develop a scheme that responds positively to issues raised by Bolton residents whilst protecting and enhancing the locally valued historic Hulton Park Estate.”
