A CAMPAIGN group is calling on residents to attend a meeting where a controversial planning application will be discussed.

Aspect, formerly the Save Atherton South group, is opposing an application to build up to 100 homes on land to the south of Bee Fold Lane in Atherton.

The application is due to be discussed at a planning meeting at Wigan Town Hall on Tuesday, August 19 at 2pm.

David Bowen, from Aspect, said: “We are asking as many residents as possible to attend the meeting to highlight the fact that this development is not required as per the Government's planning inspector's recommendation.

“It does not only cover the area in question because its accompanying documentation covers the whole of the WIG 156 area plus additional land to the south.

“This application site has always been a major concern regarding stability of the land.

“The Coal Authority originally opposed to the application as it highlighted the need for substantial investigative and remedial work to be carried out beforehand.”

Council officers have recommended that the application be approved with conditions and a legal agreement but it will be up to the members of the planning committee to decide.

Mike Worden, assistant director of planning and transport at Wigan Council, said: “It is up to members to consider all of the evidence, including the concerns of residents presented both in writing and at the meeting and make a decision on the application.

“The reasons why the recommendation is to approve are set out in the detailed report available on the council’s website.

“For the avoidance of doubt the Coal Authority does not object to the application as long as there is condition requiring further assessments before development commences.”

  • Anyone wishing to attend the meeting should contact Dave Rawsthorne on 01942 489127 to confirm attendance.