Plans submitted to build apartments for retired residents on Henry Street, Leigh

The one and two bedroom three-storey scheme, Wharfdale, would be based on Henry Street in Leigh where there would be a lounge on the ground floor for occupants to socialise.

Proposals state all apartments, that would be owned and operated by Wigan Council, would be available for affordable housing.

The application issued to Wigan Council seeks to demolish an "ageing two-storey building" before building the complex, which would offer parking spaces and communal gardens.

All apartments would include wet rooms with an "easily demountable panel between bedroom and bathroom to allow a hoist system to be installed" if needed.

How the complex could look

READ > Aldi store reopens after refurbishment and extension

A planning document prepared by agent AFL Architects state: "This scheme provides truly specialised housing with ease of access and usage for the elderly always being at the forefront of the architecture.

"The scale of the building is appropriate for the location and its layout roughly follows that of the existing building retaining amenity space to the frontage onto Spinning Jenny Way and Henry Street.

"Architecturally, the project aims to reconnect the site with the historic town centre."

What the building could look like from Chapel Street

The planning document also states: "The development is designed to assist people in living in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

“In essence (the apartments) provide a comfortable, flexible home for older residents that can change in line with their needs to provide further stability during retirement years." 

A neighbourhood consultation runs until September 22 with a decision set to be made on November 20.

Pictures: Wigan Council planning portal