Michael Gove asked to step in over 1,000 homes plan on Wigan borough green belt land

Independent Network councillor James Fish, who represents the area, has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities asking him to “call in” the applications.

In a letter to Mr Gove, Coun Fish has expressed “concern” over applicant Peel L&P’s plans which were approved at a six-hour meeting of Wigan’s planning committee on Friday January 19.

Coun Fish wrote that the applications go against “not only local policy but national policy and the Wigan Local Plan Core Strategy.”

He argues that these say that “there will be no alteration to the boundaries of the green belt.”

Coun Fish goes on: “Wigan Council quite clearly explains [in its policy] in detail that no development should take place within the green belt unless national policy allows.

“National policy also states that development should not be allowed on green belt unless there are very special circumstances.”

He quotes national policy under point 152 that: “Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to green belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances.

“Point 153 states that when considering any planning application, local planning authorities should ensure that substantial weight is given to any harm to the green belt.”

Coun Fish claimed that there was no evidence from Wigan Council or the applicant that supported the application falling under the “very special circumstances” barrier.

He added: “Wigan Council’s own evidence suggests that between 2019 and 2022 there were 2,885 homes required by the government to meet its targets. But Wigan Council delivers 4,139 which is almost double the target set by the Government.”

Coun Fish also alluded to the Places for Everyone (PfE) masterplan which identifies new developments across Greater Manchester over the next 15 years.

“This green belt land was identified as part of PfE which I’m sure you are aware has finished its consultation period, but now needs the approval of nine Greater Manchester boroughs to be legal,” he wrote.

“This application should not have been submitted as part of the PfE plan as this is pre-empting the decision by the nine boroughs.

“When this application was approved this not only went against local and national policy but also predetermines the vote by the local councils which hasn’t taken place yet.

“I therefore please ask that your department investigate both applications and determine if they should have been approved by the local authority or not.”

If it goes ahead, the new development will take shape on both sides of the Leigh guided busway.

Some 25 per cent of the homes will be affordable, in line with Wigan’s policy of pressing for a minimum level of such properties when considering new developments.

Approval was conditional on funding from Peel for the A580/Mosley Common Road improvement scheme and a financial contribution to the extension of St John’s Church of England Mosley Common Primary School.

There will also be a £2.4m contribution from Peel for secondary education places in Atherton and Tyldesley and £2,500 towards “travel plans” for residents.

Despite many protests from residents, the application was approved by a large majority last Friday.