A REVISED scheme to build luxury houses in Higher Green, Astley, has been approved by Wigan Council.

The £9 million, 4.5-acre Astley Point development will consist of 12 luxury one and two-bedroom apartments in two new three-storey buildings, two three-bedroom exclusive penthouse apartments and 14 family homes.

It will also offer a new dining and entertainment destination, secure parking for all residents and new landscaping – including a water feature and extensive planting – as well as create 70 jobs.

The council backed the original application in May but developer Salcaul Limited later submitted revised proposals having gathered feedback from people in Astley.

Sean McCaul, director at Salcaul Limited, said: “We are thrilled our updated proposals for Astley Point have been approved.

"Having listened to feedback about our original approved plans, we realised many local people interested in Astley Point prefer houses to apartments, so we decided to change our plans to make sure we provide homes local people will want to live in.

“Our architects have created a truly exciting scheme for the site which will set the new homes and leisure opportunities in stunning landscaped surroundings informed by the local heritage, history and countryside."

Salcaul Limited is a joint venture between Salboy and Redwaters that been set up specifically to deliver the scheme.

Salboy is a company owned by Betfred co-founder Fred Done and Simon Ismail which develops housing schemes throughout the UK.

Simon said: “This is the first project we have undertaken in Astley and we are really looking forward to producing a first-class development that will provide much-needed facilities for the area.”

Cllr David Molyneux, cabinet member for regeneration at the council, said: “The population of the borough is growing.

"In fact by 2026 it is predicted we will need an extra 13,500 homes to keep up with demand.

"The council is committed to ensuring we have enough homes for residents and so we are pleased that this application, in the popular village of Astley, has been given the green light.

"The high-quality development will not only bring new homes to Astley but will also create more than 70 new jobs.

"I look forward to seeing the scheme take shape."

The first apartments are expected to be available to move into by next summer.