Golf resort developers still 'confident' of Bolton Ryder Cup despite rejection

Developers behind ambitious plans to build a luxury golf resort in Bolton are going to appeal against a planning committee's decision to reject the proposals.

Peel L&P's plans for the historic Hulton Park were approved by the Secretary of State in 2020, on the condition that the site was awarded the prestigious Ryder Cup golf tournament in 2031 or 2035. But in February of this year, councillors overwhelmingly voted against a revised vision for the site, which also included 1,036 homes, a primary school, short stay holiday accommodation, a hotel, conference centre and a village hall.

Despite the rejection and dozens of objections from local residents, Peel told the Manchester Evening News that they still remain 'confident' in the site's Ryder Cup bid and admitted that they could still implement the Secretary of State-approved proposals, even if an appeal is rejected.

READ MORE : What a Ryder Cup would actually mean for Bolton according to those behind ambitious bid

A spokesman said: "The revised and improved development that we are appealing is also subject to a Ryder Cup restriction and will only go ahead if we are awarded The Ryder Cup. We still have planning permission for the original development plans and could implement that scheme if the Ryder Cup condition is satisfied."

Addressing the decision to submit an appeal, Richard Knight, director of planning and strategy at Peel L&P, said: “We already have planning permission to redevelop and restore Hulton Park following the Secretary of State’s approval in 2020 so we were very disappointed that Bolton Council refused our revised and improved scheme as it takes on board more local feedback and really is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in Bolton and