Wigan council and property giant Peel are on the brink of submitting a fresh planning application for a 2,000-home development at South Hindley. But local councillors and residents have already voiced their concerns, insisting there can be 'no homes without a road' - a reference to the much-anticipated by-pass connecting Wigan with neighbouring Bolton.
An initial planning application was lodged in 2018 for a residential-led 'mixed-use' scheme, complete with a new east-west strategic link road featuring three access points on Liverpool road, Park Road and Leigh Road. This would have been complemented by 30 acres of employment development, new open space and sports pitches, play facilities, parking and internal roads.
However, the plan was put on hold by the council as 'significant improvements' were deemed necessary. Now, real estate firm Avison Young has been tasked by Wigan council to prepare a new planning application for the land, which was earmarked for development in Greater Manchester's strategic plan for the next two decades – Places for Everyone (PfE) – approved in March.
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An ambitious new proposal has been launched, proposing a vibrant local hub complete with a primary school, flexible shopping options, healthcare facilities, and community services. Topping the agenda is the aim to "create a high quality, sustainable community"; this includes plans for new family housing, job creation, and an area designed for people to work, live, and have recreational activities.
Integral to these plans is the inclusion of a strategic highway, intended to improve connections with neighbouring regions and augment existing road networks, reports .
The public has been invited to participate in the consultation process, with a display of the proposed plans scheduled at St John's Church on Atherton Road, Hindley Green, on Monday (December 2) from 1 pm until 6 pm. Hindley residents have begun voicing their reactions following the publication of details on the local Labour Councillors' Facebook page.
Hindley ward councillor John Blay remarked to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Our view is that there can be no homes without a road. There has been talk of a by-pass between Wigan and Bolton for decades."
He went on to say, "Anyone who travels between the two towns knows what a nightmare it is. It's about time it was sorted out. We are not against new homes - but there has to be infrastructure to go with it."
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Regarding road concerns, the Avison Young scheme does reference a 'new strategic highway', which they say: "would enhance connectivity to the surrounding landscapes and urban areas as well as alleviating existing traffic congestion through Hindley.
"This will be enhanced further through the improved connectivity of local bus routes and active travel routes."
The proposed development is set to revitalise Leyland Park with new facilities, while introducing fresh 'green routes' for walking and cycling enthusiasts. At present, the area includes brownfield sites, remnants of former coal mines, mine shafts, and contaminated land.
According to Avison Young's blueprint, "The redevelopment of this site allows for the physical regeneration of this land," and they added that: "The construction of the proposed development would bring significant economic benefits in terms of job creation both directly and indirectly."
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