PLANS have been submitted to build 17 homes and an apartment building with a shop in the sixth phase of a large development.

An application was issued to construct the homes and a four-storey property housing 12 apartments with a store on the ground floor on land off Plank Lane in Leigh.

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey were hoping to include the building of a pub in the latest phase of its Pennington Wharf development but no "sustainable" offers were made.

The fresh proposals have been made in conjunction with an outline application that was approved by Wigan Council in 2009 to build 650 homes and 2,750sq/m of commercial space at the site.

A supporting planning statement prepared by Avison Young says: "The scheme proposals have regard to and respond positively to the site’s opportunities and considerations ensuring that the design and layout assimilates into the character and appearance of the area.

"Following pre-application discussions with officers at Wigan Council, the scheme has been amended to include a retail unit within the proposed apartment building at the ground floor.

"The retail store will provide existing residents on adjacent phases of the Pennington Wharf development, with improved access to provisions which increases the sustainability of the locality."

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The site is located on the southern part of the former Bickershaw Colliery, which closed in 1992.

The shop plans were include in the application after residents contacted the developer and the three Leigh West councillors arguing for a store to be included.

Councillors subsequently made representations to the local authority's planning department. 

Cllr Sue Greensmith said: “We are delighted Taylor Wimpey has listened to the views of local residents and responded to councillors in this positive way.

"We will continue to work with local residents and with the company to get the best possible outcomes for the area." 

A decision on application is set to be made in January.