THE leader of Bolton Council has spoken out against controversial proposals to transform an historic park into a Ryder Cup golf course on the eve of a crunch planning meeting.
Cllr Linda Thomas has thrown her weight behind opposition to property giant Peel’s ambitious plans, which would also see 1,000 houses and a luxury hotel built in Westhoughton.
The proposals have been recommended for approval by Bolton Council planning officers.


The leader, who lives in Westhoughton, said: “The issue of over-development is as insidious as it was when I stood for election 30 years ago, as a councillor for Westhoughton. 
“The proposed Peel Holdings development at Hulton Park has particularly provided me with a profound feeling of Groundhog Day.
“I am consistent with the view I stated all those years ago, that over-development is detrimental to an area and that the clearest consequence is the congestion that comes with it.”
Cllr Thomas says the borough needs "the right homes in the right places"  but that the development would put too much strain on infrastructure.
She added: “The population, and pressure on Westhoughton’s roads, has surged. It is among the top areas to experience this accelerated growth and the place is feeling the pain. Over-development on green belt, on this grand scale, will create even more congestion at a time when Greater Manchester is making strides with the lunch of the Green Agenda, to curb carbon emissions and improve air quality.”
Cllr Thomas, who is not a member of the planning committee, added: “The planning committee deliberates developments that could shape or scar our landscape forever, and they are not commended enough for the independence they uphold for every application that comes before them.
The application will be voted on by Bolton Council’s planning committee which starts at 2pm at Bolton Town Hall tomorrow.