“A once in a lifetime opportunity” Bolton’s bid to host the Ryder Cup still ‘alive’

Bolton’s bid to host golf’s Ryder Cup in 2035 remains ‘alive’ after the council changed a legal agreement which will extend planning permission
for the massive development.

Developer Peel Land have existing permission a £240m project to build a Ryder Cup golf complex and more than 1,000 new homes on mainly green belt land at Hulton Country Park.

Bolton Ryder Cup 2035

However, the entire development is dependent on the borough being awarded the Ryder Cup and a decision on the venue for the tournament has been delayed until next year. That left Peel in an a race against time as the current planning permission expires in October, 2025, meaning that there would be potentially no live plans in place when the decision is made on a venue, jeopardising the whole project.

A stormy meeting of Bolton’s planning committee heard an application from Peel for a deed of variation on their legally binding Section 106 agreement with the council. That would allow them to start ‘limited work’ at the site on a ceremonial roadway, which would keep the planning permission live.

Any other development would be still be forbidden until written proof is obtained by the council that the Ryder Cup has been awarded. Around 50 opponents of the whole scheme attended the meeting at Bolton town hall, watching on from the public gallery.

Chair of the committee, Coun John Walsh described the application as a ‘minor variation’. He said: “We are not here to debate or consider the wider planning application.

Councillor Fazeelah Khan

“Whatever decision we make today the previously approved planning application from 2022 remains extant.” The meeting heard form Hulton ward councillor Fazeelah Khan, who opposed granting the deed of variation.

She said: “The application seeks to alter the terms of a legally binding agreement. “The agreement is a specific agreement to protect greenbelt land.
“It would pave the way for development to begin without the Ryder Cup commitment which was used to override greenbelt protections.”

Opponent Alan Dean, said: “Bolton Council must enforce the original planning conditions in the public interest. “Peel must not be allowed to legally progress site works in advance of securing the Ryder tournament.

“If they believe they will win the Ryder Cup then they should re-apply after this application has expired.” Richard Knight, on behalf of Peel, said: “Today’s decision is vital to a major investment project which is fully supported
by this council.

“What is at stake is £1.6 billion of impact, an international venue hosting local events, jobs for local people and opportunities for young people and disadvantaged people. “There will be heritage restoration and public access, new transport and community infrastructure, that’s the bigger picture.

“The decision today is simply to preserve the planning permission so the project can be implemented when the time is right. “The permission will expire on October 24 unless we act urgently.

“The work is in a very small area of the driveway and the variation to the Ryder Cup restriction will enable only those works.” Westhoughton councillor, David Wilkinson,  opposed the variation.

He said: “Are we frightened of Peel because we lost once before ? Are we now saying that they’re untouchable and every other little person in the borough can be squashed?

“They’ve got everybody behind them, all the development plans in the North West, this council fully backs them. If they have to come back with another planning application after this one expires it will be passed just like that.

” They are tied to the Ryder Cup and October 2025, why are they different? “They should have to follow the law. Its’ a binding condition.”

The committee voted 10 to 4 to allow the variation. That decision prompted sustained barracking from the public gallery. Loud shouts including ‘absolute rubbish’ and ‘shame on you’ were heard for more than a minute as the gallery was cleared.

In a statement following the meeting Peel Land, said:  “This is a transformational opportunity for Bolton – not only as a sporting venue and cultural destination but as a catalyst for long-term economic growth, job creation and investment.

“The works proposed are a critical step in safeguarding the permission and momentum we’ve built together with our public and private sector partners
to unlock this major investment.”

Bolton Council

A Bolton Council spokesperson said: “The council is pleased the Hulton Park bid remains live as momentum continues to build behind Bolton’s ongoing regeneration.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring The Ryder Cup, the world’s flagship golfing event, to Bolton, and in doing so create an iconic sporting destination that rejuvenates the historic Hulton Park while providing positive outcomes for residents.”