PLANS have been submitted to build a retirement residential development with a three-storey block of 78 apartments and nine bungalows with private gardens.

The scheme on the former Firsway Garages site off Plank Lane in Leigh would offer affordable housing for all of the 87 homes.

There are empty garages at the brownfield site and the application proposes to demolish them before building the homes.

The development plans also includes car parking and landscaping.

A planning document, published on behalf of applicant Lane End Developments Ltd, states:

"Locating new development close to the town centre has the potential to support shops and other facilities by increasing the number of people living nearby to link easily to the town centre.

"All units will be affordable rent to encourage the older generation to stay close to family and friends, freeing up demand on family homes to encourage young families to move to Leigh.

"Regeneration of the Mitchell Street and Plank Lane area as an established neighbourhood indicates that this disused site would benefit from development."

Surrounding buildings of the proposed site include Richmond House Care Home on Mitchell Street and Heathside Residential Home on Plank Lane.

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In conclusion, the planning document said: "We feel that the scheme will have a positive impact in this area as a direct result of its design and appearance.

"The proposal will provide a high-quality development, creating much-needed retirement living apartments and bungalows for people to live in the area of Leigh affordably."

A neighbourhood consultation is in place until Friday, March 20.

A decision on the application, which was submitted to Wigan Council this week, is set to be made on Monday, May 25.