Chris Gee
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Local democracy reporter for @MENnewsdesk covering Bolton and Bury in partnership with @BBC. Views are mine. Got a story? Contact chris.gee@reachplc.com
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Articles by Chris Gee
The care services graded across Greater Manchester this week
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Huge new RSPCA animal centre could create 150 jobs near Bolton
Plans have been lodged for a major new RSPCA animal rehabilitation centre next to Pennington Flash which could create up to 150 jobs. The animal welfare charity said the proposed centre would be built on agricultural land at Mossley Hall, Byrom Lane, Lowton.
The two councils who refused the new government planning changes
Dukinfield Town Hall in Tameside. Photo: Charlotte Green LDR. Councillors in both Tameside and Bolton voted not to accept new measures to implement legally binding changes, which means as things stand, from November 1 their planning committees will not be legally compliant and councillors will have no say on planning matters. After that date, if nothing changes, officers will make all planning decisions in the two boroughs, it is understood.
Catch message drift before AI changes your meaning
Chris Gee is founder of Chris Gee Consulting and an advisor for Ragan’s Center for AI Strategy. Your team spends weeks getting one sentence just right: the mission line, the vision statement, the phrasing that legal approved and leadership actually likes. Then that sentence leaves the building. A colleague edits it for a partner newsletter, someone trims it for a board memo, and a third person rewrites it for a policymaker’s staff. That’s where AI helps most.
Corner of district town centre could be transformed by 49-home scheme
A corner of Farnworth town centre could be transformed with a major residential development on the table. Plans submitted to Bolton Council in the past week reveal applicant Auto Rental Car Hire Ltd's intention to demolish buildings and build 49 apartments on land between Bank Street And Queen Street. The proposals include four buildings within the 0.345 hectare site with private and communal amenity space landscaping and parking.
Bolton councillor switches allegiance just 10 weeks after being elected
A Bolton councillor who was elected 10 weeks ago has switched allegiance and joined the Green Party. Coun Yusuf Davda recently topped the poll in a by-election for Rumworth ward on July 30 as an Independent. He gained 1.458 votes with Labour in second on 1,054. The Greens were third in the poll, with their candidate Alan Johnson getting 517 votes.
Buildings in Farnworth town centre set to be demolished for blocks of flats
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Leigh Spinners Mill issues statement amid same name confusion after firm goes into liquidation
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Bolton council to be operating unlawfully within weeks after rejecting new planning rules
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Chaotic Bolton council meeting sees public gallery cleared and councillors from two parties walking out
A chaotic council meeting in Bolton saw the public gallery cleared after disruption and a walk out by several councillors as a request to fly the Palestinian flag on the town's library was brought forward. The agenda of the full council meeting included a question from Rumworth Green Party councillor Ismail Ibrahim, who asked for the Palestinian flag to be flown above Bolton Central library on Sunday, November 15, which is Palestinian independence day.
Luxury car dealership set to take over former builders' merchant site
A luxury car dealership has applied for planning permission to take over the former Travis Perkins site in Bolton town centre. ZG Prestige intend to change the use of the large site on Bark Street in the town. The car business's website states they sell up market vehicles including Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Land Rover and Audi.
Town's walking and cycling route upgrades to begin
Follow Town's walking and cycling route upgrades to begin Chris Gee - Local Democracy Reporting Service Wed, October 7, 2026 at 1:30 AM EDT Phase one of the project will focus on Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street [Bolton Council] A £5m project to improve walking and cycling routes in Bolton is to begin next week. The work will be carried out in the town centre from Monday, with phase one of the scheme focusing on resurfacing roads and repaving footpaths on Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street.
Work to begin on making Bolton’s Bradshawgate more pedestrian-friendly
Phase one of the scheme will focus on Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street. By Chris Gee Last updated 8 seconds ago Local updates, Public safety Share X Share Chat A £5m project to improve walking and cycling routes in Bolton town centre is to begin next week. Phase one of the scheme will focus on Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street. Roads will be resurfaced and footpaths repaved to make them more attractive and benefit people travelling on foot.
'We’ve appealed the notice but if it comes to it we’ll take it down' - as shop opens
A Bolton supermarket has issued an appeal after it was ordered to tear down an unauthorised extension to a historic bank building. In August, Bolton council said no planning permission had been applied for to add metal shutters and an extension along the side of the former NatWest building on the corner of Church Street, Farnworth. The authority then set a deadline for its demolition and removal.
Fruit and veg being sold from extension the council has ordered to be torn down
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By-election could be triggered in Wigan following death of councillor
A by-election could be called for a seat on Wigan council after the recent death of long-standing member Bob Brierley. An election will be called for one seat on the council to represent the Hindley Green ward if two people eligible to vote from the area request one in writing. If that does not happen, the ward will have a vacancy and the election to replace Coun Brierley will be held alongside the next scheduled local elections in May, 2027.
Astley - village chippy set to be converted into dental practice
By Chris Gee Astley Chips This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A FORMER chip shop is set to become part of a dental surgery. Astley Dental Practice has submitted plans to convert the next door former Astley Fish and Chips takeaway on Manchester Road to become part of its premises.
Ince's former Labour club to be transformed into place of worship and community hub
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Could a luxury estate be ‘ruined’ by the land being declared a ‘village green’?
Residents claim that a 'village green' outside Bolton needs to be protected, and here's how. By Chris Gee Last updated 21 seconds ago Local updates Share X Share Chat A residents’ association is bidding to protect green fields in a village on the outskirts of Bolton from development. Dunscar Residents’ Association, supported by local councillors from the Bromley Cross ward, are hoping to raise £15,000 for a barrister to put forward its case to confer ‘village green’ status at the Tongfields site.
How Bolton council plans to spend £14.5M buying 100 homes as temporary accommodation
To address 'acute' housing pressures, Bolton Council plans to invest in necessary temporary accommodation. By Chris Gee Last updated 19 seconds ago Property & Planning Share X Share Chat Bolton Council is set to buy up 100 homes in the borough to meet ‘acute housing pressures’. The council’s cabinet is set to agree to set aside £14.5M to acquire homes over the next three years for temporary accommodation for the homeless.
Video doorbell: safety or invasion of privacy?
Home News Crime and Justice Using a video doorbell to see where your delivery went or who tried to break into your car? Wigan council says tenants need permission for filming by Chris Gee 26-09-2026 13:01 in Crime and Justice, Greater Manchester Reading Time: 4 mins read A A image by slgckgc.
Public inquiry will examine bid to operate 60 HGVs at controversial warehouse complex
A public inquiry is to examine logistics firm Whistl's application to operate up to 60 HGVs and 95 trailers at its site at the controversial Astley business park. The office of the Traffic Commissioner said the two day inquiry will consider the application on November 10 and 11 following opposition from dozens of nearby residents. The commissioner has determined 131 individuals across 96 properties near to the giant warehouse complex have valid objections.
Bolton plans industrial space and homes on land removed from green belt
Bolton council wants to develop three areas which are currently green belt. Their draft plan identifies the main areas where up to 14,052 new homes and a minimum of 135,099 sq m of industrial space is to be built before 2042. Health Innovation Bolton (HIB) is the largest site earmarked to be taken out of the green belt. It is a large area of land between Royal Bolton Hospital and the M61 where it is proposed 1,895 homes and 40,839 sq ft of employment space will be created.
Public inquiry to examine warehouse lorry fleet bid
A public inquiry is to examine a logistics firm's bid to operate a large fleet of lorries and trailers at its giant warehouse base. Whistl has applied to use 60 HGVs and 95 trailers at Astley Business Park in Tyldesley, Wigan, which has been dogged by noise complaints from local residents. The office of the Traffic Commissioner said 131 individuals from 96 homes near to the giant warehouse complex had valid objections.
'In 2026 in modern Britain, you shouldn’t feel afraid just for going to pray'
Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig said anti-terror arrests made in the city connected with an alleged threat to the Jewish community 'sent a chill down my spine'. Counter terror cops from the Metropolitan Police descended on Newton Street in the Northern Quarter at 2.34pm on Sunday (September 20), arresting two men on suspicion of terrorism. That action was followed by a second swoop at a hostel on Lancaster Road in Salford and a raid on a flat in Liverpool.
Plans for family home to be used as six-bed HMO thrown out after more than 70 object
Planning permission has been rejected to use a converted family home close to the centre of Horwich as a six-bed HMO. Manchester based Together Homes Ltd sought approval for the change of use of the house on Brownlow Road. The plans were subject to a wave of objections with the council receiving 71 submissions opposed to the HMO use.
Regeneration chief who oversaw controversial Astley warehouses approval to leave post
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Claims a developer's failure to pay £1,200 legal fee is holding up opening of ‘vital' £19m link road
A £19M ‘road to nowhere' link road intended to ease congestion in a notoriously clogged up town remains unopened five years after it was promised. Work on the final part of a long overdue new link road at one of the UK's largest brownfield development sites in Horwich stopped in the summer of 2025 after a land deal expired.
Council urged to oppose 500 acre rail freight plans for farmland
A motion is set to be debated at full council which calls for the council to "formally state our opposition to the proposed Tritax rail interchange". Tritax plan a 8.2M st ft new strategic rail freight interchange on a 500 acre site close to Lowton on the Wigan/St Helens/Warrington border. Campaigners against the Intermodal Logistics Park North (ILP North) plan believe calling it a rail interchange is misleading as much of the operation would be carried out by road.
Bolton's Definitely Maybe’s Green Room bar set to be converted into flats
A bar and music venue in a Bolton conservation area could be transformed into flats. Plans have been submitted to convert the ground floor of the former Definitely Maybe's Green Room on Bowkers Row. The property is within the Mawdsley Street and Nelson Square conservation area and is with the area designated as a heritage asset. The Green Room was a sister venue to the nearby Oasis-themed Definitely Maybe Bar on Nelson Square.
Work on Bolton's £100m Church Wharf development set to start in January
Work on the long awaited £100m regeneration of a massive, derelict part of Bolton town centre is set to begin in January. Described as 'once in a generation opportunity', Watson Homes are set to begin work to create a new neighbourhood of 415 homes, a 130-room hotel and commercial space at the Church Wharf site. Bolton council said the importance of the development, which will see more than 1,000 people living there, 'can't be underestimated'.
Tributes to Bolton’s deputy mayor and ‘true champion of Westhoughton’ David Chadwick
Coun Chadwick, 82, was first elected to Bolton council in 1998 and was mayor of the borough for the 2025/26 municipal year. His tenure as the borough's first citizen was described as one of 'amazing energy and dedication' despite battling life challenging illness for much of it.
Animal welfare and rehab site moves step closer
Under the plans, the campus would have a small animal block, a ferret block and a cattery The RSPCA's plans to build a regional animal welfare and rehabilitation campus have come a step closer. The animal welfare charity is proposing to create what it describes as a "one-stop shop" from rescue to recovery for animals most in need on farmland close to Pennington Flash in Leigh, Wigan. The charity said up to 150 jobs would be based at the Mossley Hall site if approved.
Marble altar to be removed from Tyldesley church and used by 'extremely active' congregation 20 miles away
A huge marble altar is set to be moved from a closed church in Tyldesley to be used by worshippers in Widnes. The Archdiocese of Liverpool said removing the ‘sacred religious artefact' from Sacred Heart Church would ‘ensure the continued use of this most sacred element of the Mass'. Sacred Heart, on Tyldesley Road, is a Grade II listed building.
Bolton’s long-awaited £100M development set to start in January
The highly anticipated £100M Church Wharf development is set to transform the local area. Property & Planning Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp By Chris Gee Updated 15 September 2026 2 min.read Save for later Wharf Manchester - Advertisement - Work on the long awaited £100m regeneration of a massive, derelict part of Bolton town centre is set to begin in January.
Plans emerge for unauthorised extension to historic bank after enforcement notice
A planning application for metal shutters and an extension built without permission at a historic bank has been submitted. Last month, Bolton Council published an enforcement notice for the former NatWest building on the corner of Church Street, Farnworth, ordering the unauthorised work to be ripped down. Three metal lean-to shutters were recently installed along the side of the building.
Rural Bolton quarry due to close this year asks to extend operations until 2031
The long-standing quarry in Bolton is expected to get a complete restoration soon. Local updates Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp By Chris Gee Updated 11 September 2026 2 min.read Save for later Harwood Quarry (Pic- Harwood Quarry Company Ltd) - Advertisement - A long-standing rural quarry is seeking to expend its operations for another five years.
Site 'pivotal in shaping Wigan's future' could see industrial space and homes built on former power station land
A plan for one of Wigan's largest development sites is out for public consultation over the next six weeks. Westwood Park, around a kilometre south of the town centre has been described as 'pivotal in shaping the town's future'. The borough's draft local plan states the 58-acre brownfield site as being suitable for around 420 new homes and modern employment space. The huge plot is previously developed as it was home to the Westwood power station, which closed in 1986.
The massive £520m development set to create a new neighbourhood in Bolton
Plans to transform the south of Bolton have been agreed. Local updates Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp By Chris Gee Updated 10 September 2026 2 min.read Save for later Royal Bolton Hospital - Advertisement - An agreement has been signed by partners hoping to bring forward a massive development which would ‘create a new neighbourhood’ and transform much of the south of Bolton.
Peel Land and partners move ahead with £520m commercial and housing development
An agreement has been signed by partners hoping to bring forward a massive development which would 'create a new neighbourhood' and transform much of the south of Bolton. A partnership agreement has been agreed between organisations including Bolton council, Peel Land and the borough's NHS trust to move forward the Health Innovation Bolton (HIB) initiative which would have a capital investment of £520M.
Peel Land and partners move ahead with £520m commercial and housing development
An agreement has been signed by partners hoping to bring forward a massive development which would 'create a new neighbourhood' and transform much of the south of Bolton. A partnership agreement has been agreed between organisations including Bolton council, Peel Land and the borough's NHS trust to move forward the Health Innovation Bolton (HIB) initiative which would have a capital investment of £520M.
The 100-year-old Wigan brook that is finally getting its wiggle back
Work has started to “rewiggle” a brook that was straightened around 100 years ago as part of a major project to restore wildlife habitats and help reduce flood risks. Brookside Brook, at Victoria Fields between Hindley and Bickershaw, was once a meandering minor waterway. But around 100 years ago, mining companies straightened the brook and its valley during the Great Depression. Now, Lancashire Wildlife Trust is working to make the brook “wiggle” once again.
Four-bed house can be built in garden of Shevington bungalow after concerns addressed
Planning permission has been granted for a four-bed detached house to be built in the back garden of an existing bungalow. A meeting of Wigan council planning committee considered the proposal for the rear portion of a garden of an existing detached bungalow on Gathurst Lane, Shevington. The committee heard the bungalow to the front of the site would be retained and a new two-storey, four-bedroom home with an attached garage would be built on the plot.
How a single flat above a mini-market in Bolton could be converted into a HMO
An area of Bolton is expected to be enhanced with a brand-new HMO. Local updates Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp By Chris Gee Updated 9 September 2026 1 min.read Save for later Hmo Daub - Advertisement - A single apartment above a mini-market could become a six-bed HMO. A retrospective planning application has been submitted for the conversion of much of the building on Derby Street, close to Bolton town centre. The majority of the ground floor is currently occupied by Aqsa Food Store.
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