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.
An artist’s impression of the potential development at Horwich Golf Club / Credit: Northstone / Peel L&P
“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.”
Bolton Council argued “serious harm” would be caused by building on the protected land / Credit: Google Maps
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
News
Sacha Lord set to back local hospitality again with money behind the bar of one Greater Manchester pub
Danny Jones
Local figure Sacha Lord is once again looking to help support Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene once again this spring by putting a total of £2.5k behind the bar of one lucky pub.
Well, let’s be honest, we’re about to be the real lucky ones.
It’s far from the first time that the Night Time Economy Advisor has done this, having previously put sizeable sums towards shared tabs on a few ocassions over the last few years.
Lining up his next handout for this coming early May bank holiday (perfect timing), it’s going to be a super and potentially very sloppy Sunday…
Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester.
Bank Holiday Sunday 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.
Sharing the video above online earlier this week, the 54-year-old simply wrote, “Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester. Bank Holiday Sunday, 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.”
The message is as straightforward as ever: “Support your local pub.”
Now obviously, the fact that people can reply with their go-to boozers and help influence the decision is one thing – something that has certainly always created an attraction each time he’s done this – but it’s also just a good way of marketing these watering holes to begin with.
Whether or not someone’s favourite public house tucked away in one of the 10 boroughs, or their bar of choice here in Manchester city centre, ends up being selected or not, it’s obviously great publicity having their names plastered on a notable social media account.
This is especially so when you see how much the post itself ends up being reshared and the overall exposure Lord ultimately lends them via creating such a big crowd discussion.
Here’s hoping we get proper beer garden weather over that long weekend.
It’s also worth noting that the further support stunts like this have helped garner support for other regional businesses – in particular, indies that are battling the cost of living crisis and so many other challenges within the sector – has proved crucial for some places to stay open to begin with.
A good example is the Thirsty Korean, who teamed up with the Altrincham-born entrepreneur to cover hundreds of bills back in 2023, and has now been able to expand into a larger venue down the road from their original Chorlton location.
The obstacles facing the hospitality industry remain varied and numerous, but gestures like this can go a long way to helping prop up those who need it.
Hoardings spotted as Uniqlo prepares to open second Manchester store inside Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Hoardings have officially been spotted, as Uniqlo prepares to open its second store in Greater Manchester.
The popular Japanese high street fashion retailer currently operates 24 stores in the UK, with its first British store having opened its doors all the way back in 2001, and its first European flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2007 – but now, Manchester is about to get a second helping later this year.
Uniqlo has announced that it will be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.
The Trafford Centre store makes Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.
Uniqlo prepares to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre / Credit: Trafford Centre (via Facebook) | The Manc Group
Shoppers at the Trafford Centre this week have spotted that hoardings for the new store – which is taking over the old Ted Baker store following its closure in April 2024 – have officially gone up, and it’s fair to say, they seem pretty excited about it.
“Uniqlo in Trafford Centre would be a dream come true,” another person said on Instagram, while a third added: “I will never have to step foot on Market Street again,” and plenty others chimed in with comments like “finally” and “can’t wait”.
Uniqlo’s arrival at the Trafford Centre follows the opening of several other high-profile stores in recent months, like Urban Outfitters, White Company, Stradivarius, and many more.
While no official timeline or dates for Uniqlo’s new Trafford Centre store have been announced, fashion business news outlet Drapers has reported that it’s set to open during the autumn/winter period.
The Manc -
5th August 2021 
