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. 

This consultation has now closed.

For further information please email: ldfconsultation@bolton.gov.uk.