Bolton Wanderers Apply For Retroactive Permission For Training Ground Revamp

Bolton Wanderers have applied for retrospective planning permission for nine buildings at its training academy, which was built in 2008. In the past week, an application has been lodged with the council for changing rooms, offices, a canteen, kitchen, toilet block, analysis rooms and gymnasium at Bolton Wanderers Football Academy, Lostock Hall Farm, Ox Hey Lane.

Documents supporting the application said the Lostock training ground was built between January 2007 and October 2008. The supporting statement, on behalf of club owners Football Ventures (Whites) Ltd, outlined the reasons the planning application had been submitted now.

It said: “The outbuildings have significantly improved the functionality of the training ground by providing essential facilities in close proximity to the pitches. The medical room ensures prompt treatment of injuries, promoting the health and safety of players.

“The enhanced facilities support sports development across all teams and age groups within the Bolton Wanderers family, offering improved amenities for boys, girls and the adult teams, not to mention other community groups.”

The Club said the site covered an extensive area and has numerous football pitches, walkways, car parking and flood lighting.

Those elements of the training ground have all been approved under previous applications submitted to the council. The supporting statement, added: “All buildings to which this application relates are considered essential and compulsory to help the club perform at their desired optimum level of performance.

“By incorporating these outbuildings into the football training ground, the club can create a well‑rounded, efficient and supportive environment that enhances player development, ensures operational efficiency and promotes overall success on and off the pitch at all levels of the football club. The layout of the buildings provides a ‘close‑knit ‘campus’ enabling constant player and staff interaction to help improve and sustain team spirit.”

The club said the appearance of the buildings was consistent with those common at football training complexes and they have been painted in traditional club colours of white and blue.

A neighbourhood consultation plan has been produced with the application. Planners at Bolton Council will deliberate on the plans following the consultation.