Wigan homes plan blocked but appeal to follow

PLANS to turn Wigan Enterprise Park into a housing estate have been vetoed by councillors.

However, Warrington-based developer St Modwen Properties, which applied for permission to build 325 houses, is set to appeal the decision with a public inquiry now likely in spring.

The enterprise park on Seaman Way, Ince, covers more than 13 hectares and is home to 25 small to large businesses based in industrial units.

St Modwen’s plan would swallow up 80% of the park, a move which Wigan planning committee says would spell its end as a a key home for businesses and employment in the borough.

Wigan Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr David Molyneux, said: “As part of Wigan Council’s deal for business we are committed to creating a thriving and prosperous local economy which provides employment opportunities for local people.

“We also want to be a borough which is welcoming and attractive to inward investment by businesses from outside the borough.

“Crucial to achieving these goals is for us to have the right amount and the right type of land for businesses to establish themselves and to be able to expand if necessary.”