Bolton residents can have their say on plans to improve access to the River Croal, which could see improved links between Queens Park and the town centre.
A new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out guidelines to shape the redevelopment of land near the river, and a public consultation on the proposals is now open.
The £1.2bn redevelopment masterplan for Bolton town centre includes plans to build 900 new homes and create 700 new jobs on land near the river.
The SPD introduces measures to ensure any development will enhance the river environment, preserve local heritage and create a riverside route connecting Queens Park with the town centre.
The document covers the river from Queens Park in the west, through the town centre, under the Market Place shopping centre and through the Church Wharf area to the A666.
An SPD is not a planning application but provides advice and guidance on how an area should be redeveloped.
Consultation on the document will be open until Friday, October 11.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing and Planning, Cllr Toby Hewitt, said: “This is another exciting phase in our plans to revitalise Bolton town centre, as set out in the £1.2bn regeneration masterplan.
“The River Croal is an underused asset and improving access will have a positive impact on the appearance of the town centre, the local environment and the wellbeing of residents.
“We want to create a town centre that everyone in Bolton can be proud of and I would urge as many people as possible to take a look at these proposals and have their say.”
The draft SPD document can be viewed:-
• At Access Bolton, Ground Floor, Town Hall, Bolton
• At Bolton Central Library, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton
• On the council’s website at https://www.bolton.gov.uk/downloads/file/2309/river-croal-spd-approved-draft-version-august-2019
Comments can be sent via email to ldfconsultation@bolton.gov.uk or submitted in writing to Planning Strategy, 3rd Floor, Town Hall, Bolton, BL1 1RU.