A public inquiry into a vast development scheme which includes building a Ryder Cup golf course and more than 1,000 homes on a green belt park has begun. Previous proposals for Hulton Park, close to Westhoughton, were approved by Bolton Council in 2018 and the UK Secretary of State in 2020 and remain in place.
However, in February, going against the advice of their own planning officers, the council’s planning committee refused a revised plan submitted by landowner Peel, which contained what they claim ‘enhanced proposals’. A two day public inquiry held at the Holiday Inn in Bolton, heard that Bolton Council were offering no defence on the refusal of the revised plans after they sought legal advice on the matter.
During the opening session of the inquiry, planning inspector, Dominic Young, who is overseeing the appeal, threatened to halt proceedings after members of the public shouted out during evidence being presented by Russell Harris KC, the barrister presenting Peel’s case.
