A PLAN to build 60 council houses in Hindley Green has been given the go-ahead.

Wigan Council’s planning committee yesterday approved the authority's application for the new development on the former Oakfield High School site on Close Lane.

The site has been empty since it was cleared in 2013 and the vacant land will now be transformed into new affordable homes for rent.

The council says the development will give the area a regeneration boost and provide properties for families who might struggle to save for a deposit to get onto the property ladder.

The development will be a mixture of homes, with eight bungalows, 32 two-bedroom houses, 16 three-bedroom houses and four four-bedroom houses.

The council says it has been designed to be in keeping with the area and is close to many amenities.

It added that a full highways inspection has been carried out and the development will not adversely affect roads or infrastructure in the area.

Cllr David Molyneux, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This will provide much needed affordable housing for a range of people, from small to large families and older people in the bungalows.

“It will also transform what is currently a disused brownfield site.

“We are passionate about delivering new high quality and affordable homes for people in the borough and these homes will be built to the highest standards.

“Good quality new housing along with improved transport links and employment opportunities provides the right mix to keep our local economy growing.”

Work is expected to start at the site next November.

The council received 11 letters from residents objecting to the development.

Residents raised concerns about drainage/flooding, increased traffic and highway safety and the impact the development will have on the character of the area.

They claimed affordable housing will result in a depreciation of standards in the area and tensions between existing and new residents.

Residents also questioned the impact the development will have on property values and argued it will increase the insurance premiums of those living adjacent to the council houses.

A lack of community involvement, with residents not being updated on what was happening with the site and some not being made aware of the housing development plans, and no construction environmental management plan being submitted with the application were other issues raised by the objectors.

But, having investigated the concerns raised, council housing development officers ruled there were no grounds for the plans to be vetoed or changed.