Campaign to stop housing estate access road through recreation ground

The proposed road is part of the final phase of Richard Homes development on land east of Landgate in Bryn.

Richard Homes is conducting a public consultation on plans for the remaining 254 houses of the development which first received outline planning permission from Wigan council 10 years ago.

A new planning application is anticipated following the public consultation, but Independent Cllr Stephen Jones, who represents the Bryn with Ashton-in-Makerfield North ward, said there was already a groundswell of opposition to the new road.

“We have accepted that we can’t stop the housing development,” he said. “But we are against the building of a road through Bryn Rec and the build on the car park, which is publicly owned, bequeathed by Lord Gerard with a covenant stating that the field must always be used as recreational ground for the people of Bryn and Ashton.”

“The field is used for sports and dog workers. The idea that this covenant put in place long before Wigan council existed can be pushed aside angers councillors and residents here in Bryn.”

He went on: “We understand that although we wish the outline planning permission had not been given and that we can not stop the houses being built, the whole community will campaign to save the rec starting with a public meeting this Saturday 10.30am.

“Bryn has fought this off before and will do it again. Regardless of future planning permission, the rec is publicly owned, and the council would still have to agree to sell the land against the wishes of the people of Bryn.”

Bryn Rec

Richard Estates is owned by the Baldwin family who are the landowner of the 29-acre site which is currently agricultural land that lies to the south of Landgate Lane and to the north of Bryn Road.

The planning consultant Pegasus and Highways consultant Eddisons are working on the plan with Richard Homes.

The consultation website says: “ The proposals represent an opportunity to provide much-needed new housing to support Wigan’s diverse and growing population, in a highly sustainable location, on land which is designated within a ‘Broad Location’ for new development.”

It goes on: “Richard Estates will be applying for planning permission to provide a high-quality residential development on the site of up to 254 homes, a new vehicular access from Bryn Road, upgrading of existing sports pitches at Bryn Recreation Ground, the provision of a new changing room facility and associated works including landscaping, public open space and a children’s play area.”

They say a mix of up to 254 new homes will ‘suit both first-time buyers and families’. 

“Significant improvements works are needed to the existing playing pitches at Bryn Recreation Ground,” they say .”The pitches are currently in a poor condition and prone to water-logging.

“Vehicular access will be taken from Bryn Road to the south of the site, via a new access road to the west of Bryn Recreational Ground. The development seeks to deliver a substantial part of the new link road from Bryn Road to Wigan Road which (once complete) will help alleviate existing traffic at Bryn crossroads.”