New 30,000 square foot scheme expected off M61, Bolton

Developers Peel Land say their proposal for a new employment development off Junction 4 on the M61 in Over Hulton could create as many as 380 jobs.

Full plans for the scheme, which looks set to be made up of 30,000 square metres of employment spaces, with offices, parking and landscaping, are expected soon.

A Peel Land spokesperson said: “Peel Land is preparing a planning application for a new employment development on land at Junction 4 of the M61, adjacent to Logistics North.

“The proposals would support up to 380 jobs across a range of roles, helping to create new employment opportunities for people in Bolton.

Full plans are expected soon (Image: Peel Land)

“The scheme sits adjacent to Logistics North and within the Northfold Growth Area, identified by Greater Manchester Combined Authority as a key location for employment and economic growth.

“The aim is to bring forward new jobs and support long-term investment in Bolton and Hulton.

 “This proposal relates specifically to land at Junction 4 and is separate from other applications being progressed in the wider area, including those at Lee Hall and Hulton Park.”

The Lee Hall site includes plans for up to 1,450 homes, a 15-acre public park and a proposed Park Avenue link road in Westhoughton.

This will run alongside but separate to a long-debated scheme to build an 18-hole luxury golf course at Hulton Park, capable of housing the Ryder Cup.

Peel Land put forward an Environmental Impact Assessment for the separate 10,000 square feet of employment space earlier this year.

EIAs are usually used to work out what potential impact developments will have on the environment before full plans are made.

The EIA for the land off the M61 was received and validated by Bolton Council on Wednesday February 18.

On Wednesday March 11 the council issued its decision that an EIA was not required.

Peel Land says it now intends to put forward a full planning application soon.

A spokesperson for the developers said: “The Planning Application will be submitted in due course, which will then be subject to a statutory public consultation by Bolton Council.

“A pre-application public consultation with site neighbours and local councillors has already been undertaken, with feedback being incorporated into the plans.

“In the meantime, anyone who would like further information or has questions about the proposals can contact the project team at contact@junction4employment.co.uk.”