Homes at former Wigan church site likely despite opposition

A proposed housing development on the site of a former church looks set for approval despite massive opposition.

Today’s (April 20) Wigan Council Planning Committee is being recommended to approve the plans submitted by Adactus Housing Association for the St Peter’s Church site, Bryn.

This is even though the ward councillor Steve Jones and more than a dozen residents have voiced concerns of the application.

The proposal, submitted in December, is to build 22 homes, of which 10 will be family houses and 12 supported living apartments.

The local authority said it has received 15 objections to the scheme.

These include fears the development will attract anti-social behaviour and lead to an increase in crime and attract drug users.

Another concern of locals is that the type of accommodation and needs for residents proposed for the site is “totally inappropriate” for the location. Issues around highway safety with the access and waiting of vehicles outside the site along the road, have also been given.

Instead, people said accommodation could be built for domestic abuse victims or adults with learning disabilities. Other suggestions included mother and baby units and a retirement village or family housing.

But in a report set to be considered by councillors, officers said the 12 apartments would provide “much needed” accommodation for people who require help and support.

This would be following a crisis in their life, such as domestic violence or loss of a home.

The report said: “One of the apartments will be designated for a care person but will remain a residential unit whilst care is provided, which will focus of life skills, for example, tenancy management, budgeting skills, cooking, training, employment and health and wellbeing.”

Officers said the other 10 houses would provide 100 per cent general needs housing, which will help to meet the “ever-increasing” demand for affordable homes.

Recommending the plans for approval subject to certain conditions, the report added: “The scheme would provide a mix of housing, required to meet local housing needs within an established urban area in the borough.”

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