House scheme for former bakery site

Developers CBRE say a bid has been submitted to the town hall to build 149 new homes on the Cale Lane Hovis location in New Springs.

The proposals will seek permission to demolish an array of industrial buildings on the 11 acre site to make way for 149 new homes.

Following major cutbacks in previous years, the once thriving bread production operation at Hovis was scaled back to a crumpet only service that came to an end this month.

The remaining logistics hub will move to a new site in Golborne, the developers have said.

Ed Harvey, Senior Planner at CBRE said; “Located within an established residential neighbourhood, Hovis’ site is ideally suited for new residential development. The proposals seek to regenerate the former industrial site with up to 149 new homes comprising a mix of dwelling types.

“In addition to enhancing the character and appearance of the area, the development would make a significant contribution towards the council’s housing targets and have positive knock-on effects for the local economy.”

A majority of the buildings on the former British Bakeries site have been empty for some months after machinery was shipped to a firm in Lincolnshire last year.

A spokesperson for Hovis said: “We can confirm that plans have been submitted to Wigan Council to redevelop the former bakery site.

“It is proposed that the area be regenerated to create 149 new homes once the original factory buildings have been demolished.

“Our colleagues in the logistics operation will be relocating from the site a more modern facility in Golborne to ensure jobs are retained within the borough.”

As the writing has been on the wall for the Hovis production line rumours have been rife the vast location on brownfield land could be earmarked for housing.

Speaking to the Post earlier this year, ward councillor Chris Ready (Labour) said residents may welcome the housing plans. He said: “We don’t want to lose business but the bakery itself has already closed.

“We are where we are. I think the residents round there have had enough of wagons so maybe they would prefer houses, but we have to get the infrastructure right.

“There are not many amenities now so we have to get some there. It’s the infrastructure that’s important.”