Developer scales back 550-home and industrial park plans set to ‘shape the future of Atherton for generations to come’
A developer has launched a second consultation on a masterplan which would build over a huge swathe of green land between Wigan and Bolton.
As of this week, Peel Land is launching a six-week consultation, inviting the Atherton community to have their say on the future vision of the 173-acre Gibfield Park.
It said it had revised its masterplan for the area following feedback from an initial consultation earlier this year.
The changes include a reduction in space designated for warehouses, removing development from an area close to existing housing and introducing more green spaces.
Having originally planned to deliver around 490,000ft sq of employment space, Peel has cut the overall amount to 375,000ft sq.
The chair of Gibfield Preservation Group, who oppose the plan, is urging residents across Atherton to take part in the consultation.
The group has raised serious concerns about the scale and nature of the proposals and is calling on locals to ensure their views are heard before any decisions are made by Wigan Council.
Peel Land said the amended proposals include an additional five-acre green corridor to be located adjacent to properties on Wigan Road and Schofield Lane, providing more trees and ecological improvements.
It said the new green corridor is in addition to the 72-acre country park already proposed as part of the previous plans.
As part of the consultation, Peel Land is also seeking views on proposals for the first phase ‘Gibfield Meadows’ which would deliver 170 new homes, of which 25 per cent would be affordable, in the south-eastern part of the development area.
It said that part of the Gibfield plans will include a public play park and early delivery of the new green corridor, alongside contributions to meet the health needs and school places arising from the new residents.
Peel said the dual consultation means locals get the opportunity to share their thoughts on both the long-term vision for Gibfield Park as well as the first residential phase, ahead of the outline planning application being submitted to Wigan Council.
Peel’s 10-year vision is a new neighbourhood totalling 550 homes, industrial warehouses and improved road connections including the extension of Gibfield Park Way.
A spokesperson for Peel Land said: “We’ve listened to the valuable feedback we received and made several important changes in response including; reduced warehouse space, set clearer limits on where development can take place and the height of future buildings. In addition to this, the introduction of a Green Corridor will provide a large, green space which would sit between existing homes and future development.
“We have also worked up our plans for the first phase of ‘Gibfield Meadows’ and look forward to receiving feedback on that. We know people care deeply about the future of Gibfield Park and this dual consultation is an opportunity to show how proposals have evolved and enable the community to continue to shape the overall plans and the first phase of delivery.”
Amanda Coleman, chair of Gibfield Preservation Group said: “ This is one of the last remaining green spaces in the area and the decisions made now will shape the future of Atherton for generations to come.”
“Members fear that development could permanently alter an important natural environment and further reduce biodiversity in an area already under increasing pressure from urban expansion.
“We believe insufficient attention has been given to the cumulative impact of major developments taking place across the wider area, including schemes in Westhoughton, Hindley and Leigh. Residents have repeatedly expressed concerns that local infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with growth.”
Following the consultation, all feedback will be reviewed and considered as Peel Land prepares the outline planning application for Phase 1 at Gibfield Meadows. Future phases of development would be subject to separate planning applications and further public consultation.
The consultation will run until Tuesday, September 1 and includes an online consultation website and survey at www.gibfieldpark.co.uk.
A drop-in event will be held on Tuesday, July 28 at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre between 2pm to 5pm.
A public webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 4 between 6pm to 7pm (sign up via the website).