Residents of Wigan are being encouraged to participate in the consultation process for the town's strategic vision on housing, employment, transport, and social welfare for the forthcoming 15 years.
The draft Local Plan, which is open for public feedback, outlines an ambitious goal to construct 16,527 new homes by 2039, ensuring they are situated in optimal locations with a sufficient quota of affordable housing. This initiative aims to balance the needs of existing residents with the development of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).
This translates to an annual target of approximately 972 new homes throughout the borough.
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The plan also sets out to enhance the borough's economic standing by establishing premier employment zones along key corridors such as the M6, the A580 (East Lancs Road), and the Wigan-Bolton growth axis.
Council leader David Molyneux said: "This Local Plan is about more than where homes will be built, and future employment sites, although these are of course vitally important.
"It sets out our ambitions for our borough, and how we will deliver them. Attracting new industries and jobs and building on the strengths of what's already here, protecting and enhancing our incredible green spaces and ensuring more people can enjoy them, creating connected communities, ensuring our town and local centres thrive, and much more.
"I would really encourage everyone to take a look at the plan and share their views with us. This is the third stage of consultation, ahead of planned submission to government next year, and we want to hear from people and shape this future together."
The strategy adopts a 'brownfield first' policy, prioritising previously developed land for site allocation.
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Due to alterations in national planning guidelines, the council has been compelled to consider what are termed 'grey belt' sites, ensuring that any development is conducted responsibly and brings advantages to the local community.
One such area is adjacent to Junction 26 of the M6, near Kitt Green. It has been identified as a prime location to build upon Martland Park's success, where Heinz is based, aiming to generate significant, high-quality employment opportunities for borough residents.
The Plan also stipulates the construction of an essential link road, connecting the A577, Kitt Green and Martland Park directly to the M6.
Cllr Molyneux further commented: "With the sites currently allocated in this Plan, around half of our borough would still be within 'green belt'. That doesn't mean we are making these proposals lightly, and we want to hear views from everyone.
"This Plan is set out in seven key themes; homes, jobs, town and local centres, transport, places, environment and people and there will be seven drop-in sessions taking place across the borough for residents to find out more and share their views with us.
"I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in previous consultations and I'd urge everyone to get involved once again."
The consultation drop-in sessions are scheduled as follows: Tuesday, May 13 from 2pm-7pm at the Salvation Army on Chapel Street in Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8PB; Wednesday, May 14 from 2pm to 7pm at Pemberton Masonic Hall on Chapel Street in Pemberton, WN5 8JP; Thursday, May 15 from 2pm to 7pm at Leigh Library in Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB; Tuesday, May 20 from 2pm to 7pm at Tyldesley Rugby Union Club on Astley Street in Tyldesley, M29 8HG; Wednesday, May 21 from 2pm to 7pm at Golborne Parkside Sports and Community Club on Rivington Avenue in Golborne, WA3 3HG; Tuesday, June 3 from 2pm to 7pm at St Peters Pavilion on Hurst Street in Hindley, WN2 3DN; Wednesday, June 4 from 2pm to 7pm at Atherton Town Hall on Bolton Road in Atherton, M46 9JQ.