Northstone, part of Peel L&P, has submitted a planning application to develop new homes and community space in Bolton.

The plans, which have been submitted to Bolton Council, include 150 energy efficient family homes and create a new 15-acre area of ecological and recreational green space, at Horwich Golf Club off Victoria Road.

A third of homes will be earmarked for affordable housing needs and Northstone will help to fund improvements of the Beehive roundabout and contribute financially to local schools. The creation of the community green space, which is currently private and accessible only to golf club members, would be located towards the urban edge of Horwich, linking the site to the open countryside beyond.

Peel L&P acquired Horwich Golf Club in 2012 and has since helped to keep the struggling business running for the past eight years. An alternative for the site is now required and the location means it could deliver a sustainable housing offer.

Northstone is bringing forward the outline planning application to bring a fresh approach to developing the site following Bolton Council’s decision to refuse an application brought forward by Northstone’s parent company, Peel L&P, for 276 homes at the site in early 2020.

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The application for 276 homes addressed the issues that were identified by the planning inspector with the previous proposals for 300 homes, which went to a planning inquiry in summer 2019. Given the significant changes made to address the planning inspector’s findings, Peel L&P submitted an appeal for the 276 homes in order for the scheme to be considered at a public inquiry. This outline planning application runs parallel to this appeal.

Northstone's plans for new community green space in Horwich coincides with increased public awareness of the importance of public parks and green spaces following lockdown. A recent Public Health England report highlights significant evidence that improving community access to greenspaces provides a wide range of health benefits both physical and mental and social benefits, for all social groups within a community.

The new public open space will open up land, which is privately owned for the use of the entire community. As Horwich continues to grow, this green space can offer a haven for wildlife and a space for residents to relax within the town itself.

As part of the consultation process the community were asked what types of facilities they would like in the green space. Much of the feedback has been incorporated into the Northstone design ideas which includes enhancing existing natural environments and delivering greater diversity of habitats so that nature can flourish. New tree planting, creating areas of meadow grassland and improvements along the watercourse, Nellie’s Clough are all elements included in the plan. Overall, the proposals would provide a significant improvement on the existing ecological value of the site.

The site could also include an orchard or food growing area for the community. Other design ideas include space for activity, wellbeing and play through the creation of new recreational routes, seating areas and a children’s woodland play area.