Partner Article

Wigan Enterprise Park application receives approval for development

A DECISION to refuse St. Modwen’s planning application to build new family homes at Wigan Enterprise Park has been overturned – paving the way for the future development of the site.

Wigan Borough Council’s planning committee blocked plans by the leading regeneration specialist to build up to 325 much-needed homes and create extensive areas of landscaping and public open space when permission was refused in January last year.

However, St. Modwen lodged an appeal and a planning inspector overruled the council’s decision following an announcement last week.

Nick Whittingham, Land Director at St. Modwen, said: “Following the submission of the outline planning permission in May 2013 it was disappointing that we were forced to go to appeal as The Planning Inspectorate agreed with all the points we put forward about the redevelopment of the site.

“However, we are pleased to finally receive planning permission to bring forward new housing on the industrial estate and provide up to 325 new family homes with substantial areas of open space and landscaping together with the opening up of the culverted water course.”

The scheme, which is expected to create 100 construction jobs, follows a decline in the Enterprise Park’s operational use and a public consultation in 2012, which highlighted the need for family housing in the area.

It will regenerate the oldest parts of the site and St. Modwen has made every effort to ensure the future of modern commercial space on this site.

Now planning permission has been granted, St. Modwen will commence site preparation works ready for the first phase of the development later this year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emily Hallinan .