How you can have your say on controversial Wigan logistics hub plans

An illustrative view of what db symmetrys development at junction 25 could look like

The consultation on db symmetry’s proposal for warehousing at junction 25 near Winstanley has been extended until November 5.

Ward councillors and Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue, who object to the plan, are also stepping up their efforts and have confirmed they have asked for the planning committee to determine the application rather than a decision being made by officers.

They have also promised to call in the application to the secretary of state for further consideration should the councillors approve the hub.

Campaigners says db symmetry’s plan does not meet the requirement of exceptional circumstances needed to warrant construction on the green belt.

The developers claim the project will bring 1,650 jobs and boost Wigan’s economy by £73m as well as contributing millions of pounds a year in business rates.

It also says council documents show a need for business sites with M6 access.

Ms Fovargue said: “Let nobody be in any doubt, this application will destroy greenbelt land in the Bryn and Winstanley area and have a huge impact on residents.

“I do not believe any exceptional circumstances warrant release of greenbelt land at this site and I will be calling on the planning committee to reject this application.

“With the support of local councillors I will also be writing to the secretary of state to request that he call in the application.”

Winstanley ward representative Coun Marie Morgan added: “Wigan Council has a Local Plan that must be defended in the interests of the communities of Bryn and Winstanley who have seen years of development with precious little infrastructure to minimise the impact of large-scale housing and commercial developments.

“We already know the A49 is a congestion nightmare and that air quality is poor so it is all the more pressing that premature applications for yet further big shed developments are resisted and rejected by the planning authority.”

Comments can be submitted using reference A/18/85947 to [email protected]