The green light has now been given on controversial plans to build a new housing estate on Horwich Golf Club in Bolton.
The development had been strongly opposed by both Bolton Council – whose planning committee unanimously rejected the latest application – and the Stocks Residents Association, which represented neighbouring householders.
Developers Peel L&P appealed two applications – which were both refused by Bolton’s planning committee – one for 276 homes on the site, and one for a smaller scheme which would see 150 houses built on the golf course off Victoria Road.
But the latest appeal has been approved, The Bolton News reports.
The decision has been met with a furious response by local representatives, and described as a “kick in the teeth”.
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After a five day inquiry – which finished in early July – the planning inspector dismissed the case of both Bolton Council and the Stocks Residents Association, despite them putting forward evidence that building the proposal would cause “serious and substantial” harm to the area.
“I am absolutely devastated by the decision of the Planning Inspectorate to allow both appeals by Peel,” said Horwich councillor Marie Brady.
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“This will see a golf course, on open green fields covered with houses.
“The housing needs assessment for Horwich, the evidence of wildlife corridors, the effect of this development on the already creaking infrastructure of Horwich, the affect on air quality by hundreds more cars queueing outside two primary schools and one secondary school – all disregarded by the Planning Inspector.
“The decision can only be described as tragic and a kick in the teeth to the Stocks Residents Association and all the residents of Horwich who supported and funded the SRA to fight Peel.”
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Bolton Council argued “serious harm” would be caused by building on the protected land – but Peel and Northstone said the council “acted unreasonably” in refusing permission for both schemes.
In the ruling, the planning inspector conceded that both schemes “would result in the loss of predominately greenspace to mainly housing development outside the settlement boundary of Horwich”, and added that “both proposed developments would cause some harm to the character and appearance of these area.”
However, he admitted that “the combined adverse impacts would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”
Horwich Golf Club has run at a loss for 10 years – and the inquiry heard that the club only had 188 members. It approached Peel to sell the land in 2012.
Now that plans have been given the green light, Peel have said the housing development would be an investment worth more than £34 million, and would create 235 jobs during the construction process.
Featured Image – Peel L&P
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You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.