Local Plan: Direction of Travel - Consultations

Have your say on Bolton Local Plan ‘Direction of Travel’ – Regulation 18

Bolton Council 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. 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 stage 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.

Please view this short video for an overview of the Local Plan: Direction of Travel phase of consultation. 

Important documents to view, prior to sending us your feedback:

• Local Plan ‘Direction of Travel’ document
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Interim 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.
• Planning Strategy Privacy Notice: This document outlines how we will use the information you provide us and how we will store it. 

Talk to a Planning Officer

We are holding drop-in events across the borough throughout December 2025 and January 2026. This will be an opportunity to view the Local Plan ‘Direction of Travel’ document and exhibition, ask questions and speak with a planning officer.


Bolton Town Centre

• When: Tuesday 9th December, 12:00pm - 16:00pm
• Where: Bolton Market, Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TJ. The event will be located in the market’s central seating area.

Horwich

• When: Tuesday 9th December, 13:00pm - 19:00pm
• Where: Horwich Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton BL6 5PY

Farnworth

• ​​​​​​​When: Thursday 11th Decembe, 12:30pm - 17:30pmr
• Where: Farnworth Leisure Centre, 136 Brackley St, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 9DZ

Westhoughton

• When: Monday 15th December, 13:00pm - 19:00pm
• Where: Westhoughton Hub, Central Drive, Westhoughton BL5 3DS.

Breightmet

• When: Tuesday 13th January 2026, 12:00pm - 17:00pm
• Where: Leverhulme Park Community Leisure Centre, Long Lane, Bolton BL2 6EB

More drop-in events are planned in Farnworth, Horwich and East Bolton – please visit this webpage regularly for more details.

How can I share my views on the Local Plan: Direction of Travel?

Once you have viewed the short video and supporting documentation, please download and complete our Consultation Response Form.

Consultation Response Form. 

This can then be emailed to the Local Plan Team at: ldfconsultation@bolton.gov.uk.

You can also post responses to the freepost address below.  You do not need a stamp.

Freepost RTTT-YTEL-YSXS

Consultation & Research Team,

2nd Floor, Town Hall,

Victoria Square,

Bolton, BL1 1RU. 

If you wish to speak to one of the team directly or require a paper copy of the survey, please telephone 01204 333333 and ask for 'Strategic Planning'. Please leave your name, contact telephone number and the name of the consultation you are interested in: 'Local Plan’.