Concern over new homes in the centre of Wigan township

Concerns have been raised over plans to build homes in the centre of a township.

The development would be constructed in a garden area next to The Standish Centre if it gets the go-ahead from Wigan Council’s planning committee.

The four terraced houses would be erected at the back of 39-45 Market Place and Cross Street, and each would have one parking space.

However, some residents aren’t sure the area is best suited for more homes.

One resident said: “It’s disappointing to see requests going in for houses in the middle of the conservation area, given how much building there has already been.”

Katie Aspey said: “I think before they start sticking more houses up on that tiny street, they should be considering having parking permits for the rest of the street so people can park outside their homes.”

Julie Whalley added: “Totally support that objection – don’t need anymore traffic in village centre.”

But not all people have opposed the plans.

Resident Richard Calvert said: “I‘m not sure what the problem is. It’s an extra four much-needed homes, which look like they will be in the lower end budget-wise, and come with parking space.”

Residents’ group Standish Voice said members will study the plans before giving their views to planners.

Planning documents on behalf of applicant Briar Homes said the proposed housing development will “help reinstate a greater sense of enclosure to this part of Cross Street”. They said it will effectively replace the Manorial Court building and the stables to the back of the former public inn.

The application reads: “Briar Homes have carried out a number of development appraisals for the site looking at options for commercial development, residential apartments and residential houses.

“Following that exercise and with associated design appraisals and pre-application planning submissions and discussions, they are now pursuing a planning application for a modest development of four small townhouses for the site.

“A number of plan options and elevation options for the site have been explored during the design concept stage and the design development stage of the project.

“The Standish Village Conservation Area, and Cross Street in particular, have been studied in detail. Other local housing developments have been visited and considered as case studies.”

It adds: “The development will provide an effective screen to many of the unintentionally exposed rear elevations and it will mask much of the negative frontage to the Standish Centre.”

Planners will consider the bid at a future town hall planning meeting.

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