Leigh hotel and HMO developer hits back at critics

Spencer Reid Ltd submitted plans for a mixed-use development at 44-52 Railway Road comprising a hotel and house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The scheme would provide 39 bedrooms and have a maximum occupancy of 48 people.

Plans have been submitted to convert this Railway Road building into a mixed-use development featuring a 39-bedroom hotel and HMO (Image: Google Maps)

Leigh MP Jo Platt has said she intends to formally object to the application, while Leigh West councillor Dane Anderton described it as "a very naughty planning application" and confirmed he would also oppose the plans.

However, Spencer Reid Ltd has argued that describing the proposal as a "48-person HMO" gives a misleading impression of what is actually being proposed.

In a statement to the Leigh Journal, the company said: "We believe that describing the development simply as a '48-person HMO' gives a misleading impression of what is actually proposed."

The developer said its intention is for the completed scheme to operate predominantly as "high-quality hotel-style accommodation".

According to Spencer Reid Ltd, the HMO element is intended to provide flexibility for people needing accommodation over longer periods.

The company said: "The HMO element is there principally to provide flexibility for people who require accommodation for longer periods; it does not change the quality or character of the accommodation we intend to provide.

"Our main target market will be professionals, contractors and other people coming into Leigh and the surrounding area for work who require good-quality accommodation."

Addressing concerns over the building's capacity, the developer said the figure of 48 people represents the maximum occupancy of the entire development rather than a dedicated HMO.

It said: "The 48 figure represents the maximum overall capacity and relates principally to hotel-style occupancy; it is not a proposal for a 48-person HMO."

Spencer Reid Ltd also said part of the building is already in HMO use and argued that the application should not be viewed as introducing an entirely new HMO to the area.

The company added that the completed development would have staff on site 24 hours a day.

"This will not be a remotely managed property," the statement said.

"There will be a continuous professional presence on site so that matters involving guests or residents, noise, security, refuse, maintenance or the general operation of the building can be dealt with promptly."

The developer also claimed the scheme would help regenerate part of Railway Road by bringing vacant and underused buildings back into use.

It said the project would involve substantial private investment, create jobs and generate additional spending for local businesses.

"We are investing in Railway Road because we believe in its potential," the company said.

"Our objective is to create a high-quality development that improves this part of the high street and becomes an asset to Leigh rather than simply another building that remains vacant or continues to deteriorate."

The application remains under consideration by Wigan Council.

Residents can submit comments through the council's planning portal under reference A/26/101071/FULL, with a decision expected by September 23.