Call for sites - Consultations

Tell us which Bolton sites / land might be suitable for development or protection

Bolton Council is currently inviting landowners, developers and residents to share with us land or sites that may be suitable for development or protection, in preparation for a Local Plan.  This includes:

• Sites that you think should be protected, i.e. green space, recreational sites, sites of biological importance; or
• Sites that you think should be developed, i.e. housing, employment, commercial, community, retail, leisure.

This plan will help guide long-term planning and development in the borough. Other councils are carrying out similar exercises, enabling them to gather data on available land, which will also inform planning decisions and policy development.

Why is the Call for Sites being carried out?

In March 2024, nine Greater Manchester Districts (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan) adopted the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan (PfE), which is a long-term plan for jobs, new homes, and sustainable growth across the nine councils. PfE identified sites across Greater Manchester which were suitable for development.  These can be viewed on the webpage: Places for Everyone – Bolton Council. Bolton Council's Local Plan aims to build on, and with, the work of PfE.

The Call for Sites is a crucial part of Bolton Council's Local Plan as it allows the council to identify a broad range of potential land options for development and protection, ensuring that future growth aligns with the borough's needs and goals. This process ensures that our Local Plan is transparent and inclusive, helping to create a Local Plan that supports housing, economic development, and infrastructure requirements, while also addressing our environmental goals.

What do I need to consider when highlighting a site for development or protection?

1. Location: We request that all sites suggested for development or protection are in a suitable location, as further explained in the National Planning Policy Framework.

2. Timeframe: There should be a reasonable prospect that the site will be available and could be viably developed during the 15-year Local Plan Period.

3. Multiple sites: You should submit a separate questionnaire for each potential site. If you have previously submitted a site and the information given is either incorrect or out of date, please also use this questionnaire to take the opportunity to provide additional or amended site information.

Please note: If a site is put forward, it does not mean it will be allocated for that use. Submitting details of a particular site is not the same as submitting a planning application. All submissions are made on a without prejudice basis. Please note that information on sites considered through the Call for Sites can be made openly available to the public and the information submitted will NOT be treated as confidential. 

Useful documents: Map of existing housing and employment allocations and permissions.

Survey

Paper surveys: If you require a paper copy of the survey or would like support to complete the survey, please contact the consultation team on 01204 334875, leaving your name, address and telephone number and the name of the consultation you are interested in, ‘Call for sites’.

How can I access more information?

If you require further information or have any enquiries, please email the Bolton Council Planning Strategy Team or phone: (01204) 333218.