Eyesore Wigan building could be turned into flats

A fresh bid has been launched to put one of Wigan’s worst and most controversial eyesores to good use.

But developers will be hoping to have better luck than previously as a number of rescue plans for the Victorian villa called Brentwood, on Wigan Lane, have come to nothing over the past two decades - sometimes due to public opposition.

The boarded-up premises has been targeted countless times by vandals and arsonists and the building and its extensive gardens have fallen into disrepair.

But, 15 years after it first tried to convert the building and grounds into flats, Wigan-based developer Cuerden Developments Ltd is having another go, hoping to turn the derelict building into three apartments and build a four-storey block comprising 33 more. The scheme would see a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments built.

In the early 2000s a plan was submitted and thwarted, amid public opposition, for it to become an assessment centre for people with complex needs.

Further attempts at converting it into offices or homes have also failed to get off the ground.

Cuerden has been nothing if not persistent. In 2006 a similar plan was thrown out by councillors who said that the developer was trying to cram too much onto the site. An offices blueprint submitted in 2016 looked promising but again it never got off the drawing board.

In the latest planning application lodged with Wigan Council, agent Billy Hodge, of DV Architects, said the proposals will safeguard the future of Brentwood.

He said: “Brentwood is a large detached Victorian house located within the application site. The red-brick villa style house has several sandstone and terracotta details.

“Brentwood is not listed but as mentioned previously, sits within Wigan Lane Conservation Area.

“Since its last occupation, the disused building has sustained damage from both fire and vandals.

“Photos show the need for an intervention to save this historic building from dereliction.

“The site is located within Wigan Lane Conservation area and is surrounded by largely residential buildings.

“The elevations of Brentwood are set to be repaired and refurbished to return this historic building to its previous grandeur.”

The scheme will provide 53 parking spaces for the site, including six disabled spaces and several double banked spaces to be shared within households.

Mr Hodge added: “Not only will these proposals safeguard the future of Brentwood but the transformation could provide a positive contribution to the local community by restoring this historic site and adding to the residential provisions of the area.”