In 2011 the Government introduced new laws to empower communities so that they could have a greater say in helping shape where they live and work through 'neighbourhood planning'. Town councils or designated neighbourhood forums can develop a shared vision and planning policies through a neighbourhood plan. Once passed, the plan becomes part of the statutory development plan and is used to determine planning applications alongside the local plan for that area.
Communities also have the ability to grant planning permission through Neighbourhood Development Orders (NDOs). An NDO can grant planning permission for specific types of development in a specific neighbourhood area.
In Bolton, two town councils, Blackrod and Horwich, and one neighbourhood forum, Over Hulton, are preparing neighbourhood plans. They have chosen the areas to be covered by the three neighbourhood plans, which we have endorsed.
For the latest position on progress please see the links to the dedicated websites prepared by each of the areas. Please note these are third party websites and we are not responsible for content or how up to date it is.
Blackrod Neighbourhood Plan
A referendum on the Blackrod Neighbourhood Plan was held on 6th May 2021. The result was that 1595 people voted in favour of the plan with only 145 against. The plan came into force following its success at referendum and Bolton Council took the formal decision to “make” the plan on 23rd June 2021. The Blackrod Neighbourhood Plan now forms part of Bolton’s Development Plan and will be used in making planning decisions. The Blackrod Neighbourhood Plan is available to view from the Blackrod Neighbourhood Plan Downloads Page.
Over Hulton Neighbourhood Plan
Next Stages for the Over Hulton Neighbourhood Plan
An application has been made to re-designate the Over Hulton Neighbourhood Forum which expired in December 2022. A public consultation on this application which runs for a minimum of six weeks is now required after which Bolton council will need to consider whether the forum meets the tests required for its designation. This consultation runs from Monday 20th November 2023 until Friday 5th January 2024. You can view all documents relating to this consultation and respond to the consultation by clicking here.
Prior to automatic expiry after 5 years, the Over Hulton Neighbourhood Forum had been progressing a neighbourhood plan for the Over Hulton area and submitted its proposed neighbourhood plan to Bolton Council.
Bolton Council is now required under regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 to publicise this plan for a minimum period of six weeks. During this period interested parties will have the opportunity to make representations on whether the submitted plan meets the basic conditions which can be found here. These representations will be passed to an independent examiner who will undertake an examination of the plan. This period runs from Monday 20th November 2023 until Friday 5th January 2024. You can view all documents relating to this publicisation and make representations by clicking here.