Plan for shared house in Wigan withdrawn after objections

Douglas Road, where the HMO would have been

The proposal to convert a property on Douglas Road in Swinley into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) had been due before the authority’s planning committee.

Other news: Probe launched into Wigan factory gas leak that hospitalised 10Officers had recommended the application should be refused in part because the area could be at risk of becoming “an unsustainable community with a high proportion of transient residents”.

A town hall spokesperson said the applicants – Ares Holding Ltd – had this week withdrawn their bid ahead of the committee meeting yesterday.

If the hearing had gone ahead it could have reignited an ongoing debate about the impact of shared houses in the borough’s main residential areas.

During a recent meeting, councillors both approved and rejected HMO applications, highlighting the need for them in certain areas but also emphasising their negative impact in streets with a high proportion of family homes.

The withdrawn proposals included creating a seven-bedroom HMO.

Members were to be informed residents from 15 nearby properties had submitted objections. Listed concerns included a potential increase in anti-social behaviour, impact on house prices and inadequate parking.

Wigan Central representatives Couns Michael McLoughlin, George Davies and Lol Hunt had also raised objections, according to a report tabled for the meeting.

As a result of the blueprint’s withdrawal the meeting was cancelled.