Bolton residents face a deadline on homes and jobs plan
Residents, businesses and community groups can comment on proposals that will shape where Bolton’s homes, jobs and supporting infrastructure go up to 2042. The six-week consultation on the Bolton Local Plan opened on 15 October and closes at 11.59pm on Thursday 26 November 2026. Comments from earlier consultation stages do not carry forward, so previous respondents need to submit their views again if they want them considered in this phase.
What the Bolton Local Plan proposes
The draft plan provides for at least 787 new homes a year, matching the figure set for Bolton by Places for Everyone, the joint plan adopted by nine Greater Manchester districts in 2024. It also identifies how the borough could find another 147,497 square metres of industrial and warehousing space, through new allocations and more efficient use of existing employment sites.
Most growth is directed towards Central Bolton, Health Innovation Bolton beside Royal Bolton Hospital, NorthFold employment locations in the west of the borough, and Middlebrook. The plan proposes Green Belt boundary changes at four locations: Health Innovation Bolton, the Blackrod Employment Cluster, the Logistics North Extension, and land off The Alders at Tonge Moor for homes for Travelling Showpeople.
The proposals also require development to fund the school places, health capacity, transport improvements and open space it creates demand for. Land is safeguarded for two new primary schools. Affordable housing policies prioritise social rent, while other policies address accessible and adaptable homes and houses in multiple occupation. Any land released from the Green Belt must contribute to improvements to nearby Green Belt that remains.
How to submit comments by 26 November
Bolton Council says the plan, Policies Map, supporting documents, video and frequently asked questions are available on its Emerging Local Plan webpage. Comments can be submitted online, by email or by post using the representation form there. Paper copies are available at the Town Hall One Stop Shop and libraries across the borough.
Council officers will be available to explain the proposals and help people respond at these drop-in sessions:
| Date | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 3 November | Central Library, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE | 1.30pm–7.30pm |
| Wednesday 4 November | New Bury UCAN, 53 George Street, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 9PU | 1.30pm–7pm |
| Thursday 12 November | Westhoughton Hub, Ditchfield Room, Central Drive, Westhoughton BL5 3DS | 1.30pm–8pm |
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Thursday 26 November. The council says comments received after that time cannot be accepted.
What happens after the consultation
After the deadline, the council will consider the comments and decide whether to submit the plan for independent examination. If it proceeds, every comment will be sent in full to the independent Inspector. Public hearings are expected in 2027, after which the Inspector will recommend any changes needed before the plan can be adopted.
Source: Bolton Council News
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This article is based on Bolton Council’s consultation notice and checks its stated proposals, dates and response process.
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- 2026-10-19 10:51
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