Northstone has submitted a Reserved Matters planning application to Bolton Council for a new community at Horwich Golf Club.

An outline application for the scheme was granted planning approval in September 2021. The proposed first two phases of the development will deliver 208 sustainable new homes, including 71 affordable properties, and will open-up new community green spaces on land off Victoria Road, Horwich.

Northstone and Peel L&P, have listened to local residents throughout the ongoing process and this feedback has helped shape the final proposals. The plans will provide a space that connects with nature, while delivering affordable, energy-efficient homes that make a meaningful contribution to the Borough’s five-year land supply.

Peel L&P acquired Horwich Golf Club in 2012 and helped to keep the struggling business running until an alternative use for the site was agreed. Having received permission to develop the land, Northstone’s overall vision is to create a sustainable extension to the Horwich community.

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The new public open space will open up land, which was previously privately owned, for use by the entire community. Much of the feedback received during the public consultation has been incorporated into Northstone’s design, including the strengthening of the newly-proposed green corridor through the site and the Horwich heritage-themed natural play equipment. As Horwich continues to grow, this green space can offer a haven for wildlife and a space for residents to relax within the scheme itself.

New tree and shrub planting, retention and creation of new woodland areas and the enhancement of existing watercourses including Nellie’s Clough, are all elements included in the plan, as well as the reinstatement of the upper fairway, bunkers and green for ecological benefit, in keeping with the character of the surrounding fields. Overall, the proposals would provide a significant improvement on the existing ecological value of the site.

As part of the proposals, two access points will be delivered in Phase 1 and 2 of the development as part of the Reserved Matters application to help limit impacts to the existing highway network. Northstone has revised its scheme, listening to local concerns, by amending the highways alignment approaching Bond Close which will discourage drivers to use this as a primary access point and to minimise the traffic flow along this route.

A planning application has now been submitted to Bolton Council and a decision is expected in the coming months.