New homes, a controversial school fence and stricter rules around shared houses approved

Here is a round-up of the key decisions made by the council’s planning committee and cabinet this week.

A new housing estate in Leigh

Plans for 57 homes in Leigh were given the go-ahead by planning chiefs despite significant opposition from residents and councillors.

Prospect Homes will develop a disused 4.2-acre parcel of land to the east of Bettison Avenue, which will be used as the main route into the site.

The 74 objectors to the scheme argued that the cul-de-sac was "too narrow" to serve as an access road and would exacerbate existing congestion on residential streets leading off Warrington Road.

Others urged the planning committee to focus on developing on brownfield sites "instead of cutting up more of our green and pleasant land".

An overview of the site off Bettison Avenue in Leigh. Picture: Prospect Homes/Woodcroft Design

Leigh South councillor Kevin Anderson told the committee on Tuesday that the proposals were "unacceptable".

“The safety of residents already living in the area should be a priority,” he added.

The width of Bettison Avenue was deemed acceptable by planning officers, who added that the new cars that the estate would bring would be negligible.

Others objectors had urged the planning committee to focus on developing on brownfield sites "instead of cutting up more of our green and pleasant land".

While the site is greenfield land, it has been earmarked for future development by Wigan council.

Atherton councillor Stuart Gerrard was also displeased that the developer was allowed to provide only seven affordable homes – below what is acceptable in planning policy.

Bryn St Peters Church of England Primary School. Picture: Google Maps

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School fence controversy

Opposition to an Ashton-in-Makerfield school’s bid to fence off its own playing field were described as "ridiculous" as councillors backed the proposals.

The head teacher of Bryn St Peter’s Church of England Primary School sought to fence off the land to protect pupils and prevent strangers from entering the premises during school time.

The move proved to be contentious amongst some living next to the field who were concerned about the loss of open space, which has always been in the school’s ownership.

One objector feared a gap between the new fence and residential fences would "create a no man’s land for vermin".

Others feared that the new fence would devalue their properties.

But the school’s head teacher Julie Alcock told councillors: “The children should have access to the field and keep safe at all times from potential intruders.

“Strangers can simply walk onto the school site, and dog faeces has been trod into the field in the past.”

Before the application was approved, Cllr Janice Sharratt said: “Some of the objections are ridiculous, this is the school’s field and it’s their right to fence it off.”

Cllr Jeanette Prescott added: “We need to protect our children.”

Houses in multiple occupation

All landlords and developers of properties in Swinley and central Leigh will need planning permission to convert buildings into small HMOs.

Under existing regulations, only HMOs with more than six rooms need planning permission.

But following concerns about the rising number of HMOs in the two communities, Wigan Council will require all HMO applications to go before the planning department.

A public consultation on the proposals drew 73 letters of support from residents and councillors, who say HMOs exacerbate existing parking problems and lead to antisocial behaviour.

Councillor Carl Sweeney, cabinet member for environment, whose portfolio includes the planning department, said the council was listening to its residents.

Speaking in July, when the plans were first mooted, he said: “This new direction will give the council more opportunities to manage the development and quality of HMO’s in the two areas where they are most prevalent.”