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
Andy Burnham announces ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system
Emily Sergeant
The Prime Minister will unveil a fundamental change to the education system today with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes.
Andy Burnham says he is ‘determined’ to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path to ensure there are no so-called ‘dead ends’ for young people coming out of the education system by providing them high-quality alternative routes that are valued and respected by students, parents, and employers alike.
The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with ‘valuable’ early access to technical skills, work experience, and connections with local employers.
Building on successful local initiatives – such as the MBacc, launched by Andy Burnham here in Greater Manchester when he was Mayor – the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare, and digital technology.
It will aim to ‘skill them up’ with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need.
Andy Burnham has announced ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system / Credit: MChe Lee (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons
So, how will it all work then? Well, when students enter Year 10, they will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, Maths, and Science – with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to the jobs available in their area.
During these courses, students will be able to spend time with employers and gain valuable real-world experience.
Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges, and employers will work together to shape these new technical education pathways, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system.
To support this, the Government says it will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work, and will also change the way school performance is measured so that inspectors recognise the schools support young people to develop the skills, experience, and confidence employers want.
This way, no matter whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education, or direct entry into a skilled profession, they will able to see a clear route from education into employment.
“For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected,” explained Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life.
“From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.”
Featured Image – MChe Lee (via Unsplash)
News
When does the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year hit Greater Manchester?
Danny Jones
Brace yourselves: ANOTHER heatwave is set to hit the UK – the fourth in 2026 so far – and, understandably, Greater Manchester residents are already preparing for the latest blast of hot weather and wondering when it gets here.
Yes, in case you missed the news, more high temperatures are set to spread across Great Britain and Ireland this month and heading into August.
The increase will gradually build throughout this week, with Wednesday tipped to be the hottest day according to various meteorological sources.
Fortunately for us here in the North West, parts of the Midlands and the usual suspects down south are set to hit the highest numbers, but the thermometers are still on course to reach around the mid-20s over the coming days.
Temperatures are set to rise this week across some areas, bringing a return to hotter conditions 🥵
The heat looks to be fairly short-lived, however, with temperatures expected to fall again towards the end of the week 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/IKsunEdwhU
Estimates of 26°C have been predicted for this coming Tuesday, with the levels floating in and around 24/25 on the following Wednesday.
The heat is then due to drop off slowly, with top scores of no higher than 21°C on the cards for Thursday and Friday. Although the weekend forecast is less certain at present, one thing that has been announced is reduced rainfall.
Aside from a few more trickles today (Mon, 27 July), the showers or lack thereof cease rather soon, with some of the driest parts of the country already having various effects; for instance, parched parts of Wales have even revealed lost archaeological sites last Friday (24/7/2026).
It would be remiss if we didn’t mention the obvious moorland fires across our region, which were sadly exacerbated by hot weather earlier this month.
Following on from the hottest June on record, the Dovestone and Tinwhistle areas of Oldham and parts of Derbyshire saw hundreds of hectares turn into a deeply dangerous blaze for several days.
As per the latest statistics, it’s said that the equivalent of 1,250 football pitches were scorched following the alarming wildfire, which also raised concerns for wildlife and surrounding air quality.
The Manc -
5th August 2021 
