New fears over 1,500 jobs Wigan business park plan

Glenbrook started a public consultation for the 40-acre site, Meridan 6 Wigan, last month.

The developer said the scheme will act as an extension to the South Lancs Industrial Estate in Ashton and would create up to 1,500 jobs.

This would include 500 to 600 jobs and apprenticeships during construction, following an initial investment of £70m. Access would be provided via Bolton Road.

Consisting of up to 625,000ft sq of new industrial space, the development aims to “meet the significant regional demand from small to medium-sized businesses.”

But the proposals have stoked controversy and an MP and councillor have joined residents in expressing fears about the plans.

In an email obtained by campaigners Danny Fletcher, Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue said: “I am obviously very concerned about the potential traffic implications if this proposed development goes ahead.

“The area around the site and Ashton town centre already experiences significant levels of traffic congestion and I will be looking carefully at the plans and traffic assessment when published.”

However, Ms Fovargue said that since 2006, the land has been allocated and approved for employment use, so the principle of the extension has already been established.

She added that the green belt status of the land may not need to be removed to allow a link road to be built. Ashton councillor Anthony Sykes also has worries, adding: “I have seen the plans and have concerns re traffic, noise, pollution and loss of biodiversity.

“Normally there would be a public meeting, but in this lockdown it’s frustratingly impossible. I am getting lots of emails and I aim to represent the views of the Ashton community to the best of my ability.”

The Keep Ashton Green group, formed by Mr Fletcher, has already vowed to fight any proposals that involve taking green belt.

But Glenbrook development manager Dan Symonds said the project will help the area prosper.

He said: “Already allocated for employment use in Wigan Council’s unitary development plan, Meridian 6 Wigan will build on the success of the well-established South Lancashire Industrial Estate and attract more investment and employment opportunities to the area as well as delivering much needed commercial space for local businesses looking to grow.”