Wigan Council sets out opposition to green belt development sites

Wigan Council sets out opposition to green belt development sites

• Four sites will not go forward as part of Local Plan, cabinet report recommends
• Cabinet will also not support West of Gibfield site masterplan
• Councillor Paul Kenny says public feedback has been listened to and reflected in decisions

Five controversial sites earmarked for development on green belt land should not be taken forward, Wigan Council’s cabinet will say.

Four of the sites will not be included in the Local Plan development blueprint due out for consultation next month.

These are:

• North of M6 junction 26 (known locally as The Bell)
• Moss Industrial Estate extension
• Bridgewater West in Astley
• West of Winwick Lane, Lowton.

Cabinet members are also set to outline their opposition to proposals at West of Gibfield, Atherton and will submit an objection as part of the developer's current consultation process.

Councillor Paul Kenny, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, said: “We have listened to your feedback, and the views of our communities have been reflected in these decisions.

We are aware of the depth of feeling surrounding these four sites. By removing them from the latest version of the Local Plan, we believe we have struck the right balance between supporting economic growth and job creation, providing opportunities for residents, and protecting our environment.

With Gibfield, we simply do not believe the proposals are appropriate and we will make that clear through the consultation. The masterplan requires the council's approval and we cannot support it.”

At next week's cabinet meeting, Councillor Kenny will seek formal approval from cabinet colleagues to submit an objection to the Gibfield proposals. The site is earmarked for housing and jobs development and is part of the GM-wide Places for Everyone framework.

The council is due to launch its consultation on the final stages of its Local Plan next month, and cabinet members will be asked to endorse progression to this next phase.

The report states that the four green belt sites are no longer required because the borough's current land supply is sufficient to meet its expected employment land needs.

Six sites proposed for new homes, not in the green belt, have been retained in the new version of the plan, the report states.

However, significant changes have been made to these sites following feedback, for example; extra provision for flood management, more certainty on road infrastructure, reductions in the number of homes, more variety in the mix of house types and improved walking and cycling connections.

Any proposals for the South of Hindley site, for example, will require the link road ‘to be funded and programmed before any homes are built and occupied’ along with full investigation and mitigation measures regarding land contamination.

The report also states that all housing developments will be required to provide contributions towards the infrastructure needed to support new communities. This could include investment in health and care services, education, community facilities, open space, play areas, sport and recreation provision, and affordable housing.

A Local Plan guides how land is used and developed over a period of 10 to 15 years, covering housing, employment, infrastructure, environmental protection and community wealth and health provision.

Wigan Council’s Local Plan outlines how development will support the Progress With Unity missions to create fair opportunities for all and to make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish.

Councillor Dane Anderton, cabinet portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, added: “I would like to thank everyone who has contributed so far but urge them to take part in the next round of consultation, which is called the ‘publication’ stage.

Following this, the plan will be reported back to Full Council in November for recommendation that it is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent public examination by the Planning Inspectorate.”