Wigan Local Plan Core Strategy

Proposals for addressing the shortfall of housing land

Consultation Statement

Pursuant to Regulation 22 (1) (c) of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) () Regulations 2012

Places Directorate

December 2012

2 1 Introduction

1.1 The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 require councils to prepare a consultation statement to accompany documents when they are submitted to the Secretary of State. Regulation 22 (1) (c) states that this document must set out:

• Who we invited to be involved in preparing the proposals for addressing the shortfall of housing land. • How they were invited to make representations. • A statement of the number of representations made and a summary of the main issues raised. • How those representations have been taken into account.

2 Who we invited to be involved in preparing the proposals for addressing the shortfall of housing land

2.1 We have invited a large number of individuals, groups and organisations to be involved in preparing the proposals for addressing the shortfall of housing land. These are listed in Appendix A.

3 How we invited people to make representations

3.1 Engagement was carried out in accordance with our Statement of Community Involvement, adopted in January 2011. The Statement of Community Involvement sets out our proposals for public participation in the plan making process, including who we will involve, the techniques and methods we will use, when people can expect to be invited to be involved and how we will respond to comments made.

3.2 At the recent examination into the Core Strategy, the Inspector identified a shortfall of deliverable housing land in the borough for at least 2,500 homes, from a total provision of 16,500 homes (gross) for the plan period 2011-2026.

3.3 The strategic options for addressing the shortfall of housing land were set out as briefly as possible in the main consultation document. The 5 strategic options included:

• Option A - Land safeguarded for future development at Standish, including 3 broad site options. • Option B - Land safeguarded for future development at Golborne and , including 3 broad site options. • Option C - Land in the Green Belt around , including 5 broad site options. • Option D - Land in the Green Belt at Leigh, including 2 broad site options. • Option E - Combinations of the above options.

3 3.4 We also consulted on potential changed policies which had been discussed at the examination. The additional housing which would result from these potential changes had been factored in by the Inspector in arriving at his shortfall figure. These were:

• Including Astley in the east-west core of the borough, with implications in particular for Coldalhurst Lane, Larkhill, Astley. • Increasing the proportion of housing to be built on land at Landgate, Ashton-in-Makerfield. • Identifying South of Atherton as a broad location for new development.

3.5 The reasoning behind the choice of site options and the other matters relating to the housing supply was given in the Options document, along with details of ‘How to have your say’. Responses were structured around 21 questions asked at the end of each broad site option, strategic option or proposal. The same format was used for each question.

3.6 More detailed information was given for those who wanted it in the following supporting documents, all dated July 2012:

• Sustainability Appraisal Update • Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment Update • Technical Assessment • Habitats Regulations Assessment Update • Initial Transport Assessment • Green Belt Assessment.

3.7 Consultations were undertaken separately on the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. The representations received from stakeholders and the Council’s responses are set out in the accompanying report ‘Consultation report - Our response to representations received’ (November 2012).

3.8 The consultation on the options and proposals ran for a period of 6 weeks from noon on Tuesday 31 July to noon on Tuesday 11 September 2012. Nearly 6,000 letters and/or emails were sent out to inform residents and stakeholders of the consultation. These included over 3,800 sent to consultees active on our consultation database that may have an interest in the proposed options, and over 2,100 addresses immediately adjacent to one of the 17 broad site options or proposals.

3.9 A dedicated web page was set up providing information and links to all documents and the online consultation portal. This may be viewed on our website at www.wigan.gov.uk/ldfcorestrategy , then click on ‘Options for addressing the shortfall of housing land, and other proposals’.

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3.10 We put up 43 site notices including at least 2 at each broad site option or proposal. Each A4 laminated site notice included a map showing the extent of the land, giving relevant information and including details of where to find the documents and how to make comments.

3.11 We put all the consultation documents and comments forms into each public library in the borough and issued a press release. We also held drop-in sessions with planning officers at Atherton, Lowton and Standish.

3.12 The drop-in sessions ran from 2.00pm – 8.00pm. They enabled local residents, stakeholders and other interested parties in the vicinity of the broad sites to view information on the option or proposal and speak to council planning officers.

3.13 Further details of all these activities can be found in the Engagement Index at Appendix 1 of our Consultation Report (December 2012).

4 The number of representations made and a summary of the main issues raised and how they have been taken into account

4.1 Nearly 700 people attended the drop-in sessions and we received 6,090 representations from 4,967 contributing consultees, plus 3 petitions. The vast majority were objections to the options or proposals but we also received a substantial number of supporting representations, largely from landowners and developers. Amongst these are 10 representations promoting different sites, all but one in the Green Belt. We have also received 196 late representations, including 2 petitions and a further proposed site, also in the Green Belt.

4.2 A breakdown of our responses to the issues raised during consultations is set out in ten separate appendices accompanying our Consultation Report (December 2012). The full responses are can be viewed on our website at www.wigan.gov.uk/ldfcorestrategy , then click on ‘Options for addressing the shortfall of housing land, and other proposals’, then click on ‘options and proposals online’.

4.3 Briefly, the main issues raised by local people have been on traffic and transport, wildlife and landscape, open space, impacts on infrastructure, services, amenity, health and the environment. The need or lack of need for housing including affordable housing, and how we have undertaken the consultations were also raised.

5 Appendix A

Who we invited to be involved in preparing the proposals for addressing the shortfall of housing land

The following organisations and groups were invited to be involved in preparing the proposals for addressing the shortfall of housing land in the borough. Some organisations have been represented by a number of individuals. As well as the groups listed below, officers from a range of Wigan Council departments, Councillors and Members of Parliament with constituencies in Wigan were involved. There are also around 5,000 members of the public on the Council’s Local Development Framework database, of which some may have visited one of the drop-in sessions with planning officers at Atherton, Lowton and Standish.

5 Boroughs Mental Health Trust Leigh, Atherton and Bridleways Group Abraham Guest High School Leith Planning Ltd Acland Bracewell Surveyors Limited Linus Property International Ltd Adlington Town Council Littler and Associates Age Concern Airport Plc Aggregate Longcourten Developments Alfred McAlpine Capital Projects Longport Group Arndale Properties Lowton East Neighbourhood Development Forum ASDA Stores Lowton, Crankwood and Abram Bridleways Group Ashton, Leigh & Wigan Primary Care Trust Maguire Family (The) Associated British Food Airport Astley Green Residents Association Manchester City Council Astley Labour Party Manchester Digital Development Agency AstleyMosley Common andTyldesley Labour Party Manchester Friends of the Earth Atherton Estates Marks & Spencer Plc B&Q Martineau Baldwin Family, The Maryland Securities Balfours LLP Mathews & Goodman Barratt Homes McAteer Associates Ltd Barton Willmore McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd Bayley Design Associates McDyre & Co. Bellway Homes Ltd. Mersey Basin Campaign Bernadette Kearns Ltd Merseytravel Billinge Chapel End Parish Council Miller Homes Bispham Hall Brick and Terracotta Co. Ltd. Mineral Products Association Black Country Properties Ltd Minerals and Waste Planning Unit (Urban Vision) Town Council Ministry of Defence Bloor Homes Mobile Operators Association Bluemantle Ltd MODUS BME Network Monier Limited BNP Paribas Real Estate Montpellier Group Property Division Council Morbaine Limited Boroughwide Community Network Morris Homes(North) Limited Boroughwide Youth Council Morston Assets Ltd Bradhurst Associates Mosley Common Residents Association British Ceramic Confederation National Federation of Gypsy Liason Groups British Gas Properties National Grid Company Plc British Horse Society National Offender Management Service (NOMS)

6 British Sign & Graphics Association National Playing Field Association British Telecommunications Plc Natural England British Wind Energy Association Network Rail Brookhouse Group Ltd New Earth Solutions Ltd Building Research Establishment NFU Office Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Bury Council NJL Consulting Butts Bridge Tenants and Residents Association Norley Hall Tenants and Residents Association CA Planning Norley Hall Tenants and Residents Association, Pemberton Forums Campaign for Real Ale North Leigh Group Limited Campaign to Protect Rural England ( Branch) Council Canal and River Trust on behalf of Leigh South Councillors Cass Associates One Voice Residents Association CB Richard Ellis Ltd Open Spaces Society Chorley Council Orbit Developments (Emerson Group) City Residential Outdoor Advertising Association Civic Trust Over 50s Forum Civil and Construction Parkinson Commercial Property Consultants Clark Planning Consultants Ltd Parkside Action Group Coal Authority Partnerships Officer, Environment Agency NW Region Cockwill & Co Ltd Patrick Properties Colliers CRE Paul Butler Associates Commission For Architecture & The Built Environment Peak and Northern Footpath Society Community Network Peel Investments (North) Ltd. Co-operative Group Ltd Persimmon Homes (North West) Ltd. Coppull Parish Council Peter Brett Associates Country Land and Business Association PINS Countryside Properties (Northern) Ltd Places Matter County Palatine Housing Association Planning Aid CPRE: Lancashire Branch Planning Bureau Ltd, The Croft Parish Council Planning Potential Crompton Fold Bakery Polis Real Estate Crystal Developments Post Office & Glazebrook Parish Council PPG Industries (UK) Cunningham Planning ProCo North West Ltd Cushman & Wakefield Propinvest CVS Prudential P.I.M Cycle Liason Group Pubwatch Deanery High School Rainford Parish Council Department for Transport Rapleys Department of Health Red Rose Forest Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group Redrow Homes Lancs Ltd Design Council Redwaters Developments Ltd Design for Security Residents Forum Design for Security Robinsons Country Leisure Disability Network Council Dorbcrest Homes Rod Raines Auto Salvage DPDS Consulting Roger Hannah & Co DPP Roger Tym & Partners Drivers Jonas Deloitte Rose Bridge High School DTZ RSPB Wigan Local Group

7 EA Fisheries Team Sainsburys Supermarkets Ltd Electricity North West City Council Emery Planning Partnership Salmon Harvestor Ltd ENCOMPASS Sanderson Weatherall LLP English Heritage Savills Commercial Ltd English Partnerships Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & Co Ltd Envirolink Northwest Seddon Homes Ltd Environment Agency Sefton Council Erinaceous Seneley Green Parish Council Express Furniture Shakerley Partnership Faith Network Shammys Clothing Fields in Trust Shevington Parish Council Fire Protection Manager Shevington Surgery Firstplan Shopmobility Fisher German LLP Showmen's Guild of Great Britain Forestry Commission Six Acres Residential Home FOTARA Solicitor for Catherine Deters Frank Marshall co. Sorotimist International of Wigan Friends of Ashton Sport England Fusion Online Limited St Helens Council GallifordTry Strategic Land St Johns, Pemberton Gallimore's Restauarant St. Modwen Garswood Angling Club Standish Community Forum General Aviation Awareness Council Standish District Bridleways Group George Wimpey North East Ltd Standish Estates Gerald Eve LLP Standish is Full Gibfield Park Group Limited Steene Associates Ltd Gin Pit Community Stephensons Solicitors GL Hearn Ltd Steven Abbott Associates Gladman Developments Ltd MBC Graham Bolton Planning Partnership Ltd Stratmor Grays Inn Estates Group Limited Swinley Residents Association Archaeological Advisory Service MBC Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Tesco Stores Ltd Greater Manchester Ecology Unit The Galleries Shopping Centre Greater Manchester Geological Unit Theatres Trust Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership MBC Greater Manchester Pedestrian Association Trail Riders Fellowship Greater Manchester Police Transition Town Billinge and Orrell Greater Manchester Police Architectural Liaison Unit, Transition Town Wigan Divisional and Partnership Support Unit Greater Manchester Regeneration Group Transport for Greater Manchester Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority Trinity Architecture Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority Tweedale Greenbank Partnerships Ltd Tyler Parkes Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan UK Coal GVA Grimley UK Coal Mining Ltd Gypsy Council, The UK Independence Party Hackney Drivers Association UKYP Haigh Parish Council United Utilities Hallam Land Management Ltd Units UK

8 Harworth Estates Upholland Parish Council Harworth Estates (UK Coal) Urban Roots Head of Public Relations Veterans Council Health and Social Care Partnership Viridor Waste Management Heritage and Environment Network Wainhomes (North West) Ltd Hesketh Meadows A.G Walsingham Planning Highways Agency Walton & Co HIMOR Group Ltd Borough Council HM Prison Service Waste Recycling Group Home Builders Federation West Lancashire Borough Council Homes and Communities Agency Westbury Homes Town Council Town Council Hourigan Connolly White Young Green Planning HOW Planning LLP Whitehead and Company HUG/LAF Wigan - Ince Congression of Jehovah’s Witnesses I N G Real Estate Investment Management Wigan & Leigh Health Services N H S Trust Ian Baseley Associates Wigan & Leigh Housing Company Ltd Indigo Planning Wigan & Leigh Pensioners Link Irish Travellers Movement in Britain Wigan Access Committee J J B Sports Plc Wigan and District Ramblers Association J S Bloor (Wilmslow) Ltd Wigan and Leigh College JGB Investments Limited Wigan and Leigh Council for Voluntary Sector JMP Consults Ltd Wigan Archaelogical Society Jockey Club Racecourses Wigan Borough Sports Council John Lambe Associates Wigan Cycle Forum John Royle Chartered Surveyors Wigan Group, Ramblers' Association Jones Lang LaSalle Wigan Heritage and Environment Group JWPC Limited Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust Kingmore Park Wigan Local Access Forum Kirkwells Ltd Wigan Parish Church Lambert Smith Hampton Wild Container Transport Lancashire County Council William Santus & Co Ltd Lancashire Fisheries Consultative Assocaition Winstanley Highfield Community Network Lancashire Wildlife Trust Winwick Parish Council Lancaster City Council Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc Land Access and Recreation Association Woodford Group Landgate Property Consultants Ltd Woodland Trust Lane Head South Residents Group Woodlands Lawn Tennis Association Wrightington Parish Council Legat Owen Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Trust Leigh Miners Rangers ARLFC WYG Planning & Design Leigh Ornithological Society Your Communications Ltd Leigh Soroptimists The Wigan ETNA Group

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