Current Consultation
Bolton Local Plan ‘Direction of Travel’ – Regulation 18
We are preparing a new Local Plan for Bolton. A Local Plan sets out where new homes, jobs, community facilities and green space should go, and how the borough will grow up to 2042.
We have now published the Local Plan ‘Direction of Travel' for consultation until 22 January 2026. This is the second Regulation 18 stage of consultation.
It sets the overall ambition for a healthier, greener and better-connected Bolton, and presents early spatial options for where new homes and jobs could be located. It also sets out initial themes and areas of focus that will guide the more detailed policies which the Local Plan will include. This is an important point where you can help us make choices and shape a strong planning strategy before the full draft Local Plan, with detailed policies and site allocations, is published for consultation in Summer 2026. Anyone can respond and we welcome your views.
Read the Local Plan ‘Direction of Travel’ consultation document (PDF)
Documents relating to the local plan Direction of Travel consultation are now available to view in the One Stop Shop and all borough libraries.
Sustainability Appraisal
We have also published a draft Sustainability Appraisal. This assesses the likely social, environmental and economic effects of the options in the Direction of Travel. It helps ensure the Local Plan is based on sound evidence and considers impacts from an early stage.
Interim Sustainability Appraisal (PDF)
Talk to a planning officer
We are holding a series of drop-in events relating to this consultation at locations around the borough, where you can view the Local Plan ‘Direction of Travel’ document and exhibition, ask questions and speak to a planning officer. Details of these sessions are as follows:
Bolton Town Centre
- Time: 12-4pm, Tuesday 9 December 2025
- Location: Bolton Market, Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TJ
- The event will be located in the market’s central seating area.
Horwich
- Time: 1-7pm, Tuesday 9 December 2025
- Location: Horwich Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton BL6 5PY
Farnworth
- Time: 12:30-5:30pm, Thursday 11 December 2025
- Location: Farnworth Leisure Centre, 136 Brackley St, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 9DZ
Westhoughton
- Time: 1-7pm, Monday 15 December 2025
- Location: Westhoughton Hub, Central Drive, Westhoughton BL5 3DS.
- Note that over the same period (27th November 2025 to 22nd January 2026) we are also consulting on the Draft 'West of Wingates Masterplan' Supplementary Planning Document. At this event you will also be able view this document and exhibition, ask questions and speak to a planning officer about it. Find out more here: Supplementary planning documents – Bolton Council
Breightmet
- Time: 12pm-5pm, Tuesday 13 January 2026
- Location: Leverhulme Park Community Leisure Centre, Long Lane, Bolton BL2 6EB
How to respond to the consultation
View our consultation portal for how to engage with this consultation and for details of the engagement sessions we are delivering across the borough.
The consultation closes on 22 January 2026.
Over the same period 27 November 2025 to 22 January 2026 we are also consulting on the Draft West of Wingates Masterplan SPD. Find out more here: Supplementary planning documents – Bolton Council