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22 Jul 2020

Northstone to bring forward fresh plans for Horwich Golf Club

Peel L&P’s dedicated housebuilding arm, Northstone, is to bring forward a new residential scheme at the site of Horwich Golf Club that will include up to 150 homes and a significant new area of community amenity and parkland space.

New proposals for Horwich Golf Club follow the council’s decision to refuse an application brought forward by Northstone’s parent company, Peel L&P, for 276 homes at the site in early 2020.

The application for 276 homes addressed the issues that were identified by the planning inspector with the previous proposals for 300 homes, which went to a planning inquiry in summer 2019. Given the significant changes made to address the planning inspector’s findings, Peel L&P has now submitted an appeal for the 276 homes in order for the scheme to be considered at a public inquiry.

Running in parallel to the appeal, Northstone will be bringing forward an outline planning application for up to 150 homes and is looking to bring a fresh approach to developing the site.

Northstone’s homes are led by thoughtful and modern design both inside and outside the home with smart energy-saving technology to help residents save money on their energy bills and industry-leading home broadband connectivity. Pedestrian-led streets will help to reduce traffic speeds and help create a sense of community.

By including significantly fewer homes than previous applications, Northstone’s application is able to offer a large portion of the site for community use. Whilst the plans are in the early stages of development,  Northstone is keen for it to add lasting value to the community and believes this could be possible if it was to provide ecological and environmental benefits, such as new habitats for wildlife and increased biodiversity.

Northstone is currently building 150 much-needed new homes in Westhoughton having received planning permission last summer. Construction on the site, called Silkash, is well underway with the first homes being ready by the end of summer.  Northstone believes its approach to building homes and communities will be an exemplar for the Borough and plans to deliver an equally unique development at Horwich Golf Club. 

Jon England, Development Director at Northstone, part of Peel L&P, said: “We recognise that development of Horwich Golf Club has previously been sensitive amongst the local community, but we are currently drawing up plans which we strongly believe will respond to feedback received in relation to the previous applications.

“This will be a very different application, as Northstone is unlike a traditional housebuilder. Our unique product offers a new way of living for residents due to our emphasis on sustainability, community and ecology. We want to deliver high-quality, design-led developments that provide much more than just bricks and mortar.

“But we can only make this a reality by working with the community. We will be showcasing our plans over the coming weeks and inviting local people and community groups to tell us what they think about the plans so that we can deliver a scheme local people can be proud of.”

Northstone is committed to engaging with local communities where it operates and will be consulting on its plans for Horwich Golf Club in the coming weeks.

Residents will be provided with an opportunity to view draft proposals for the site and provide feedback ahead of Northstone submitting a planning application to Bolton Council. This will be done virtually and via a leaflet drop in line with Government guidance on Covid-19.

More about Northstone.