The site of a former Wigan church will be transformed as plans for 22 affordable homes are approved

Plans for affordable homes to be built on a site once used by a Wigan church and presbytery have been green the green light.

Affordable housing developer Stanley Land and Homes has gained planning approval from Wigan Council for a new development of 22 properties on Scot Lane, in Newtown.

The disused brownfield site was formerly home to St Edward’s Church and presbytery, which closed in 2017 and have since been demolished.

The new development will feature one-bedroom cottage-style apartments for social rent, designed to address the need for smaller affordable homes in the Wigan area.

The scheme will include electric vehicle charging points for residents, as well as new public space, and homes will have several sustainability features, including air source heat pumps.

Stanley has partnered with affordable housing provider Jigsaw Homes on the development, with the properties set to be acquired by Jigsaw on completion.

Chris Curtis, director at Stanley Land and Homes, said: “There is a real and growing need for smaller affordable homes in the Wigan area, designed for individuals and couples. This high-quality development will help meet this demand in a well-connected urban area of the town.

“The scheme has been a real partnership effort so far, both with Jigsaw and with Wigan Council. We have worked in close collaboration with the council since our initial interest in the development, including securing funding through Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.

“We are now excited to be starting on site in this autumn and are also in discussions with the council about several further affordable schemes in the Wigan area, so we can build on our strong relationship and ensure more people in the area have a high-quality home they can be proud of.”

The former site of St Edward’s Church and presbytery has been disused since the church was demolished in early 2021, following anti-social behaviour and vandalism after its closure.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool was granted planning permission by Wigan Council to flatten both St Edward’s and Ince St William’s after they became surplus to requirements.

Coun Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare at Wigan Council, said: “This is another fantastic example of previously developed land being brought back to life, delivering much-needed affordable homes in our borough and revitalising a disused area, which can have such a positive impact on the surrounding community.

“I am pleased that we have an ongoing partnership with an ethical housing provider like Jigsaw and trusted developers like Stanley Land and Homes, bringing much-needed affordable homes locally.

“These properties for social rent will be for people on the council’s housing register, providing high quality, energy efficient homes and meeting a need we know is there for smaller affordable homes locally. I am really looking forward to seeing work get under way on this site.”

The project team for the development includes Holmpatrick Developments (contractor), MPSL Planning and Design (architect), Primas Law (legal advisers), Alan Johnston Partnership (engineers) and Mosaic Town Planning (planning consultant).