The conversion of a disused pub that could turn area into 'troublesome estate'

A controversial development of a disused pub in Wigan has been approved despite concerns it may turn the area into a ‘troublesome estate’. A total of 27 objections were submitted to the council to stop The Crown being converted into a shop, pharmacy, hairdressers and flats.

The Sefton Road site has been vacant for a number of years but neighbours in the residential area don’t want this plan to change the place for the worse. Antisocial behaviour, potential increased footfall as well as rats and litter from leftover food are all big issues for the residents in Worsley Mesnes.

Locals believe these flats could be turned into a ‘halfway house’ - which has not been confirmed in the plans - and there is worry this could devalue homes already in the area.

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One letter of objection, whose name has been redacted from the planning documents, said: “I want to formally log my opinion AGAINST this planning. The area is slowly turning from a decent, friendly neighbourhood, to potentially troublesome estate due to the extra houses that have been erected on the site of the old care home there.

“We are suspecting the so-called five flats that have been proposed will house potential troublemakers and that the two retail units and takeaway will cause more traffic, litter and dodgy people around an area that has lots of decent families with young children. There are already enough shops and takeaways in the area and this already causes trouble with parking on paths and double yellows as it is.”

The planning has since been changed to three flats from five - but the problem of parking still remains from residents. The 3-bed flat and the two 2-bed flats have a