Next stage of Wigan's huge planning blueprint for the borough's future now under way

Local Plans set out a vision for how a borough can grow and develop into the future, including sites for new homes, jobs and infrastructure.

Last autumn, residents were asked for their opinions on the issues and opportunities for the borough during the first phase of the consultation, which received 1,413 responses over eight weeks.

Leader for Wigan Council Coun David Molyneux said: “Local Plans are really important documents, setting out the council’s ambitions and visions for the borough and how we plan to get there alongside our businesses, residents and wider communities.

“With vital themes including homes, jobs, town and local centres, transport, places, environment, and people, this consultation is a really important opportunity to have your say on the future of your borough and what it could look like in 15 years’ time.”

Local Plans help manage and shape how the borough will develop over the next 15 to 20 years including the delivery of new homes, jobs, and infrastructure to support future communities including transport, schools, and public open spaces, and more.

The last local plan was adopted in September 2013.

Planning for the future to 2040 sets out proposals for what council chiefs call an ambitious future for the town and local centres, identifying key centres across the borough, and how the authority and partners can work together to ensure they thrive.

It also sets out a vision for transport including ambitions for the new rail station at Golborne, advocating for metrolink to come here, and ensuring a strong Bee Network offer in the borough.

Housing is another key issue, ensuring there are the right homes for our population, from affordable homes and houses designed for families and older people, and ensuring developers contribute to infrastructure from roads to healthcare.

Coun Molyneux added: “This ‘options and preferences’ consultation covers a lot of ground, building on what residents told us in the consultation late last year.

“This second phase of the consultation gives residents the opportunity to tell us what they think about our ideas so far, including potential sites for development based on emerging priorities and demand.

“This consultation closes on Monday, December 18.

“To have your say, please visit bit.ly/optionsandpreferences or you can find a hard copy of the consultation pack in public libraries across the borough.”

There will be also 10 consultation workshops held across the borough, all from 7pm, for people to find out more and contribute to the Local Plan:

• Tuesday October 31: Tyldesley Rugby Union Club, Tyldesley
• Wednesday November 1: Hindley Library and Community Centre, Hindley
• Thursday November 2: Platt Bridge Community Zone, Platt Bridge
• Monday November 6: Sunshine House, Scholes, Wigan
• Tuesday November 7: The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh
• Thursday November 9: Atherton Town Hall, Atherton
• Tuesday November 14: Salvation Army, Chapel Street, Ashton
• Wednesday November 15: Lamberhead Working Men's Club, Pemberton
• Thursday November 16: Standish Community Centre, Standish
• Wednesday November 22: Golborne Parkside Club, Golborne

Residents are being encouraged to book to attend these events.