Controversial plans for two new drive-thrus in Wigan withdrawn

Without giving reason the applicant, Eden Asset Management, decided to remove their proposal for the coffee shop and restaurant and 18 units at Hindley Green Business Park before a decision could be made by Wigan Council.

Numerous objections to the proposed Leigh Road site were submitted by members of the public and Hindley Green councillor John Vickers. They were of the belief that this area already had too much traffic because of the business park and this proposal would lead to litter, vandalism and increase obesity issues.

Nippon Electric Glass Fibre UK is based at the site and has HGVs coming and going – something Coun Vickers said is “causing significant disruption”.

Leigh Road connects Leigh and Hindley and is well used by residents in the area.

Coun Vickers also highlighted concern over the demolition of the existing buildings that would make way for the new development in regard to asbestos. This is in addition to potential anti-social behaviour issues that could arise from the development, he claims.

“The location of the site in the application has historically been used in the processing of asbestos,” he wrote in the planning portal online. “Part of the buildings have already been demolished, yet there appears to be no asbestos survey in the documents online.

“Before any decision is made an invasive asbestos survey known as an Asbestos Refurbishment or Demolition Survey should be undertaken to ensure that suitable and sufficient assessment has been made for the proposed demolition/development.”

Additional concerns were raised in regard to noise pollution in the 26 other objections. Plans were withdrawn officially on November 28.

Wigan Council will no longer consider this proposal.