Revised housing plans for former Wigan church site

Controversy has grown ever since developer Jigsaw Homes announced its intentions to bulldoze St Peter’s Church and vicarage in Bryn and replace it with 28 one-bedroom apartments.

Locals had raised concerns that the development would be used for drug users from the night shelters and hotels in Wigan.

But those fears were allayed somewhat after Bryn councillor, Steve Jones, received a letter from Wigan Council saying the apartments would not house drug users.

Now Coun Jones said he has been told of a new proposal for three, three-bedroom houses and three two-bedroom houses, all of which would be for people on the council waiting list.

While 10 one-bedroom flats for “stage three individuals” and one flat for a manager is also proposed.

It is the flats that Coun Jones is still wary of, as he said “stage three” can range from anyone who has had a hard time but are now getting back on their feet to someone who may possibly have been suffering domestic abuse.

He said: “I am sure we can all agree that houses for families on the council waiting list are much needed, however I do have trust issues around the flats.

“For anyone who doesn’t know what stage three individuals means, it can range from anyone who has had a hard time but are now getting back on their feet to someone who may possibly have been suffering domestic abuse.

“It can also be a next stage from the original proposal which was stage two.

“On face value I have no problem with this proposal as it is a massive improvement from the original drug unit of over 200 people a year.

“The houses would be permanent accommodation and the flats a minimum of six months.”

Over the coming weeks, Coun Jones said the developer will be trying to secure funding on the new proposal and publish the plans for consultation.

In the meantime, Coun Jones said he will be working with fellow councillors to put amendments in place for drug testing and security, which he said should not be a problem if the tenants are stage three.

He said: “I think we all agree that we wish there was a different developer.

“But with the developer and the church locked in a contract over the sale, the council locked in a contract with the developer and with the goverment making it so developers no longer need planning permision, some form of development will probably be built on the site.

“I will however 100 percent promise that I will make sure that what is built will have the least negative impact on our community.”

He added: “Once again well done to everyone who got involved.

“It’s not often the community force a developer to backtrack.”