Housing plan set to face opposition

Councillors and residents are against the plans for the land to the rear of 346 to 348 Wigan Lane but officers have recommended for it to be approved.

The application is at this stage for access permission only but could lead to up to five houses being built on an extension to the Mere Oaks cul-de-sac.

Residents have raised objections because the town hall has previously pledged not to develop the land, they claim.

Fears over congestion, pollution and ecological side effects have also been voiced with Couns Michael McLoughlin and Lol Hunt stated as objectors.

The matter will be discussed at the town hall next Tuesday and members of the committee can overrule the officers’ recommendation if they decide the application is not suitable.

Approval for 14 houses on the site of Mere Oaks special school off Wigan Lane was granted in 2008.

Although situated on greenfield land the committee will be told “this would not preclude development in itself”.

The application’s planning report reads: “It is considered that the principle of developing the site for residential use is acceptable, subject to further assessment at the reserved matters stage.”