Second phase of huge 830 homes plan set for approval

The second phase of a development of 830 homes in Atherton looks set to get the green light when Wigan’s planning committee convenes on Tuesday (August 6). Bloor Homes North West has submitted an ‘outline application’ for 170 homes on land east of Leigh Road, south-west of Bee Fold Lane and West of Millers Lane.

This means further details of the plans will be submitted at a later date. Permission for 830 homes on the wider site was granted in 2020 with open space, road infrastructure and landscaping, all held backas ‘matters reserved’.

A report to the planning committee says that Bloor Homes has entered into an agreement to fund £3.86m towards the provision of a primary school, road works, open space and recreational facilities. Some 95 objections have been submitted to the scheme, but planning officers say that the principle of development on the site has now been established and have recommended approval subject to a range of conditions.

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Opponents of the plan cite the loss of green space and the impact on health and wellbeing as a result of its loss, the loss of green belt land and views, impacts on wildlife and that the surrounding highway network is already choked up. There are also fears for the safety of pedestrians and children attending neighbouring schools, pressure on existing services such as GP surgeries, schools and dentist,

Some argue that Atherton is overdeveloped and there is ‘no need’ for additional homes. However, the report says: "The proposed layout, scale, appearance and landscaping are acceptable to officers and assessed to be in accordance with the relevant local and national planning policy and guidance.

"It is