Wigan Local Plan | Wigan Council

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Summary Full Document

Summary

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Homes

Providing an appropriate mix of housing; housing land; site allocations; homes in multiple occupation, accommodation for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople

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Jobs

Existing employment areas, loss of employment accommodation; affordable business accommodation; office use; the green economy; the visitor economy; digital infrastructure

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Town and local centres

Hierarchy of town and local centres; regenerating and improving our town centres; local centres supporting thriving communities

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Transport

Active travel; public transport; bus; rail; road; parking; travel plans

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Places

Sustainable communities; sustainable design; landscape design; the borough's canals; amenity; historic environment; conservation areas; Green Belt

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Environment

Renewable and low carbon energy; district level heat and power; energy efficiency; carbon; flood risk; green infrastructure; wildlife habitats and species; environmental protection

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People

Health; open space, sport and recreation; community facilities; education and skills

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Map Book - Homes

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Map Book - Jobs

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Map Book - Town and local centres

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Map Book - Places

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Map Book - Environment

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in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Liz Brown Dec 19 2023 at 12:01AM on page 16

Suggestion

The road infrastructure (or public transport) cannot support the pocket nook development.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Liz Brown Dec 18 2023 at 11:59PM on page 16

Suggestion

The Pocket Nook development should not go ahead.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Liz Brown Dec 18 2023 at 11:56PM on page 16

Suggestion

need more housing for those who have empty nests so they can down size near to public transport routes and local amenities.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Liz Brown Dec 18 2023 at 11:51PM on page 53

Suggestion

Green corridors are a priority for wildlife so they can breed and feed more successfully. We need more hedges instead of fencing too.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Liz Brown Dec 18 2023 at 11:46PM on page 41

Suggestion

There isn't any mention of extending the Atherleigh bypass to allow motorway traffic to bypass Lowton. This would solve a lot of A580 problems around this area without changing many of the junctions along this stretch. Dedicated left and right hand turn slip lanes can only be so long. Traffic build up for these turns are far longer, especially if long HVGs are blocking the slip lane. If the queue extends beyond the slip lane then there is a higher risk of accidents from stopped vehicles especially with right hand turns. The bypass would also reduce the persistent and illegal air pollution at Lane Head to acceptable levels, unlike the slip lane method. The neighbouring Parkside warehouse development will only add to this current problem.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Liz Brown Dec 18 2023 at 11:44PM on page 38

Suggestion

Please see comments on the transport strategy consultation that is due in at the same time and addresses very similar issues.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 11:04PM on page 61

Suggestion

I believe that increasing SEND provision for children and young people in the borough needs to be made a priority. Our current sites at at capacity, so new education facilities or site expansions need to done if our children are to thrive.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 10:50PM on page 42

Suggestion

We need more designated disabled parking bays and dropped kerbs to ensure that our towns are more accessible.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 10:48PM on page 42

Suggestion

Free or cheap car parking is great, but it only works if there is an increase in car parking capacity. We need to be increasing the number of people that can travel into the town centre, not just making it cheaper for the small number of people who can currently find a parking space.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 10:41PM on page 40

Suggestion

Could a train service between Atherton and Bolton be explored.

Atherton train station requires additional parking to be be made available. Commuters are currently parking on nearby streets and this is impacting the ability of residents to park and bringing traffic on Bolton Road and Newbrook Road (Bolton) to a standstill. Perhaps a shuttle service could be implemented from the town centre with a park and ride service up to the train station. The train station also lacks toilet facilities.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 10:35PM on page 32

Suggestion

I feel that targeted compulsory purchases of vacant and abandoned properties in the town centre should be explored by the council, for the purpose of creating new social housing.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 10:30PM on page 32

Suggestion

The plan makes reference to "supporting
businesses and owners to improve shop frontages
and realising active uses on upper floors, including
for housing..." - whilst I'm sure that shops will welcome this support I think a bigger priority should be tackling abandoned building and those falling into disrepair. When it comes to increasing the kerb appeal of the town centre addressing these eyesores, ideally by bringing buildings back into use, will increase footfall.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 10:21PM on page 26

Suggestion

Atherton makes reference to Shakerley - which is actually a suburb of Tyldesley.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 10:13PM on page 25

Suggestion

I welcome the desire to increase high-capacity digital infrastructure, and feel that time should be spent focussing on prioritise making improvements to digital black spots first - Howe Bridge (Atherton South and Lilford) and Tyldesley Road (Tyldesley and Mosely Common) being examples of two such areas.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 10:08PM on page 25

Suggestion

The arts and cultural activities has the potential to revitalise areas across the borough. Unlike neighbouring Bolton the borough is without a film office, which I feel needs to be addressed. Our cultural assets would benefit hugely from the exposure of being used as a film or television location. Businesses from across the borough might also be enticed to become locations, or to provide services for the creative industries, which would helping to increase their revenue, create new jobs and encourage further investment in local communities.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 9:56PM on page 24

Suggestion

One of the key limiting factors that discourages businesses from having offices in town centres is the lack of parking provision. In Atherton we have a number of long-term vacant office spaces - and a lack of local parking provision has been given ne of the reasons for tenancies agreements not being signed.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 9:49PM on page 23

Suggestion

I feel that the Employment areas for Atherton neglects to include Bag Lane - which has some of the highest density of small and medium sized businesses in the town. The list also neglects to include Wigan Road - another high density area for businesses. I would request that both of these areas be added to the list for Atherton.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 9:42PM on page 20

Suggestion

The plan states that "An article 4 direction requiring planning permission for all HMOs is in place in selected parts of the borough, including Swinley and central Leigh" - I suggest that the article 4 direction be put in place as standard across the whole borough. Having multiple new HMOs pop up in close proximity to one another, without going through planning, has a strong knock on impact on communities. I've seen first hand how such HMOs can be problematic in Atherton.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 9:30PM on page 19

Suggestion

It's critical that the East of Atherton development take into consideration the ongoing developments of Hulton Park in the Bolton borough, given the close proximity of the two sites. The Hulton Park site currently has planning for over 1,000 properties, and this figure could well double in the next 18 months.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 9:20PM on page 11

Suggestion

I feel that more attention needs to be spent looking at monitoring and preserving the streams, brooks and rivers across the borough - as much of the attention currently seems to be focussed on canals. As such the preservation of a more diverse range of species in is being neglected.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 9:14PM on page 10

Suggestion

In terms of data gathering I think it's important that the council begins to collect information on the number of cars/ vehicles per household, rather than just recording the percentage of households with a car. Many households have two or more cars, which has huge implications when it comes to infrastructure planning.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 9:07PM on page 9

Suggestion

There needs to be increased parking provision around the borough's train stations if we are to see more residents getting out of their cars and onto public transport. This should be free of charge. Atherton train station has limited parking capacity and would easily benefit from being tripled in size, given that the station is a departure point for workers travelling to and from Manchester and Liverpool.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Paul Blinkhorn Dec 18 2023 at 8:55PM on page 8

Suggestion

A more proactive approach should be taken to engage with the owners of retail/ commercial premises that have been vacant an extensive period of time time, so that properties can be brought back into use or undergo a change of purpose (eg. residential). This should be done on a town by town basis - with targets being set for the number of properties brought back into use.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:22PM on page 61

Suggestion

Crying out for a community facility around Swinley particularly Dicconson Street (bottom of Upper Dicconson Street) near the roads

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:19PM on page 56

Suggestion

Definitely support - Achieving a net increase in street trees. Swinley area as a whole would greatly benefit and is fully supported by residents in living in the area. So much housing and little space and street trees for many.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:17PM on page 55

Suggestion

Bat, bird, swift bee, hedgehog and all creatures need to be supported so including this provision is essential. Also be good to support existing housing with the same enhancements. Maybe also businesses especially in the town centre

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:15PM on page 54

Suggestion

The concept of embedding an ‘environmental net
gain’ principle for development was introduced in the
national 25-Year Environment Plan (2018). Biodiversity
net gain is the starting point for the roll out of a wider
environmental net gain approach that includes natural
capital benefits, such as flood protection, recreation and
improved water and air quality, so effectively covers
much of what green infrastructure is about. - keep this at the forefront definately

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:13PM on page 53

Suggestion

Proposals for development take account of, and
respond positively to, the surrounding landscape
character and existing green infrastructure - this is so important

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:12PM on page 49

Suggestion

Always protect Green Belt

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:10PM on page 47

Question

The borough’s industrial origins, including the
former textile mills of Butts Mill, Eckersley Mills,
Ena Mill, Leigh Spinners Mill, Mather Mill, Pagefield
Mill, Trencherfield Mill and Victoria Mill - ,all so important and good to see in the plan however I cant see what you are doing to secure Pagefield Mill for the people of WIgan - recognising its heritage is not enough - what will Heritage impact mean for this building?

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:03PM on page 40

Suggestion

Securing significant rail capacity improvements at
pinch points in Manchester/Salford and Liverpool
city centres and the West Coast Mainline to secure
the benefits sought in Wigan Borough = this is the most important aspect - must be improved to encourage people to visit Wigan easily from the immediate area

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 6:01PM on page 27

Suggestion

improving the quality of the street-scene and
making it more pedestrian friendly. - this was stated for Standish however this approach around Dicconson St would greatly improve the area and enable a neighbourhood eating and drinking and sitting and walking - not cars

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 5:57PM on page 27

Question

Agree you must continue to redevelop the town centre. Interested in the reimagining around Dicconson Street this is a neglected area and really could be a neighbourhood hub with benches, trees, greenery by repurposing the cobbled area for people meeting and not cars. Already building as a community with various bars could do with more eating places if encouraged - as long as the parking doesn't obstruct its reuse. Can you make this area more pedestrianised to accommodate people and green spaces.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Bill Bound Dec 18 2023 at 5:48PM on page 50

Suggestion

None of the new homes have been built with photo voltaic panels, no eco friendly homes at all that we can see. Light pollution is also affecting our wildlife yet most of the new homes seem to be using more electricity and adding to the light pollution by having lights in the eves. The stretch of new housing on the A580 from Golborne into Lowton resembles Blackpool Prom at night.
Pollution, already at a high in Lowton, increases in cars combined with loss of trees and hedgerows. As far back as 2007 Wigan Road Traffic pollution was “of particular concern” there being 10% of the population living close to main roads. The A580 is a main road yet houses are being built right next to it.
The planning system can be a key method for providing improvements or minimising impact. As a result, air quality is an important material consideration in planning decisions. Yet all these estates have large houses with multiple parking spaces.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Ray Whittingham Dec 18 2023 at 5:31PM on page 11

Air Quality.
Air Quality in Wigan Borough has improved since 2011!
Stop lying!! Standish is gridlocked between 07:00 - 10:30 and 11:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 19:30 five days a week and weekend for at least four hours a day.
Rectory Lane in Standish has idling traffic throughout the day and more so at school drop off and pick-up times as does the main junction as well you know is at capacity. I’m sure many other areas in the borough are just the same. So, with increasing traffic, there is little chance that AIR QULITY as increased.
Open Land.
Two thirds of Wigan Borough is open land and greenspace. The greenspaces are very poorly maintained, and we all know open land is destined for house building.
Designated Land.
10% is designated for wildlife protection. Not around Standish, at least one is killed on the roads each week due to the greedy council building on open land which belongs to wildlife.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 5:24PM on page 26

Question

I notice a core Wigan Town Centre is being considered reducing the area available for shops, bars and restaurants to make way for office and peoples accommodation. How will a variety of retail businesses be encouraged and accommodated, if Wigan Council doesn't own the buildings and therefore isn't responsible for the rents.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Ray Whittingham Dec 18 2023 at 5:12PM on page 10

Conservation Areas.

23 Conservation areas. And What a shambles Standish’s Conservation Area is, the Council allow Gordy illuminated signage, shop front signage and a restaurant on the High Street looks as though it has been knocked together using old pallets. You need to get a grip with some or most of the businesses within the conservation area in Standish.

Green Belt.

56% of Wigan Borough is within Green Belt! And what the Council have done with Standish, there is very little Green Belt left for wildlife to roam in a natural habitat. Shame on Wigan Council.

Listed Buildings.

Over 500 listed buildings and structures in Wigan Borough! What about the two Chapels in Lower Ince Cemetery, being left to deteriorate, Houses that could be renovated on Lower Dickinson Street and Frog Lane. Shame on Wigan Council.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 5:09PM on page 20

Suggestion

If HMOs are the best solution then definitely ought to be purpose built with enough areas for bins, parking, and green space.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 5:07PM on page 17

Suggestion

Definitely not on Green Belt, Wigan has many Brown areas which could be considered, or as I said previously - repurpose buildings

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 5:05PM on page 16

Suggestion

HMOs are not the best way to accommodate people - they frequently lead to problems with facilities. Certainly central Wigan and around Swinley there has been so much trouble with lack of responsibility with regards to upkeep, maintenance, litter, noise, in close proximity to owned houses where people care about the neighbourhood and immediate area.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 5:01PM on page 16

Suggestion

A mix would be good. Or repurpose buildings that are already standing.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Ray Whittingham Dec 18 2023 at 4:59PM on page 9

Rail Trips.
1 % of rail trips across Wigan Borough! This is because there are no rail networks across the Borough, only two stations in and out of Wigan, so what is the point of headlining this subject?

Cycle Lanes.
2% of people cycle to work once a year! So what is the point of continually wasting money constructing cycle ways when a very small amount of cyclist are using them?

Road vehicles.
21% of Households do not have a car! There probably would have if there was a better road infrastructure.

Vehicle Miles.
14% is the increase of vehicle miles in Wigan Borough since 2013! There would probably be more if we had more road infrastructure, one major road built in recent years, what a joke.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 4:59PM on page 15

Suggestion

Green up the tatty spaces in Wigan. Plant green urban spaces where ever you can.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 4:57PM on page 15

Question

What are Wigan doing in relation to this aspect - I cant see it at all. Buildings are falling down or being demolished. I don't see evidence of any renovation and maintenance. Wigan Centre could have repurposed the buildings, used areas above retail for offices and accommodation. Conservation areas and Heritage listing do not secure our wonderful Wigan centre buildings - I honestly don.t see how we claim to be Proud.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 4:52PM on page 15

Suggestion

Most of the shopping has moved to Retail parks. Parking facilities ought to be the same to encourage people to travel into Wigan. I know there is an environmental issue here but free parking has made it easy to visit retail parks along with easy access food outlets. Why is it more attractive for retail companies to move to retail parks is it space, rents, access?

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Kathryn Sullivan Dec 18 2023 at 4:46PM on page 15

Question

Access to health care is also an important consideration already people struggle for NHS Dentists and Dr appointments in the central Wigan area. What will be done - who will you work with to ensure these considerations are taken into account.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Charlotte Rosser Dec 18 2023 at 4:04PM on page 54

Suggestion

Wigan Council should consider the buying and selling of BNG credits, which would enable a larger number of schemes to come forward throughout the Borough over the Plan period. This would assit in the delivery of sites where it is hard to achieve the mandatory BNG and as a result are not able to come forward for development.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Charlotte Rosser Dec 18 2023 at 4:00PM on page 45

Suggestion

Landscape design must not be so onerous so as to result in an unviable development. Furthermore, the final landscaping scheme of a site must be easy to manage and maintain once a development complete, this is especially pertinent in residential development where residents from different tenures are required to maintain the landscaping and if too onerous the scheme may become unkempt and unattractive.

Consideration should be given to the inclusion of communal (semi-private) gardens within residential developments. Private gardens add little in terms of sustainability and BNG but a semi-communal garden that isn’t for public use, but is shared by a collection of dwellings, BNG enhancements could be provided without removing direct amenity from the residents. This is particularly good for build to rent schemes as people often resist putting a lot of their money into a garden they rent, so private gardens in such properties tend to be quite barren.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Charlotte Rosser Dec 18 2023 at 3:53PM on page 49

Wigan Council's acknowledgement that there will be some development within the Green Belt during the lifetime of the Local Plan is supported. And the proposition to include policieis which control the design of such development is supported.

in reply to DavidKearsley's comment

Charlotte Rosser Dec 18 2023 at 3:51PM on page 59

In theory this is supported, however, it will be necessary to ensure that the relevant policy is not onerous on the developer to make a scheme unviable. Contributions to health can already be sought, but often not taken up by the relevant bodies, as not considered required or for other reasons, therefore need to ensure not double counting and relevant to the proposed development.