Abram Communities Together Neighbourhood Plan

2018 – 2033

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Contents

1. Introduction p.3

2. Abram Ward key characteristics p.6

3. Vision and objectives p.8

4. Policy overview p.10

5. Policies p.12

6. Delivery plan p.31

7. Appendices p.xx

1. Introduction ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2

1.1 The Neighbourhood Plan The Abram Communities Together Neighbourhood Plan covers the period 2018 to 2033. It enables local people to lead on shaping development in the area through a joint vision for the neighbourhood.

The Localism Act of 2011 introduced the option of Neighbourhood Planning in England. A Neighbourhood Plan document is written by a town or parish council, or in urban areas a Neighbourhood Forum, to guide future development, regeneration and conservation of a particular area. This Plan is about how the land in Abram Ward will be used and developed and it contains planning policies and proposals for improving the area, plus the allocation of key sites for development.

A Neighbourhood Plan is a legal planning document and needs to use a range of formal and technical terms; there is a detailed glossary of the terms used in this document in Appendix 1.

There are a number of stages to successfully completing the process of undertaking a Neighbourhood Plan, these are: ● Designation of the plan area ● Designation of the Neighbourhood Forum ● Engaging with the community ● Writing the plan ● Consulting with the community ● Submitting the plan to the local authority for further consultation ● The plan is inspected by an independent planning examiner ● A local referendum is held to decide whether the plan should be adopted (more than 50% of those voting in the referendum must vote ‘yes’ in order to bring the plan into force). When a Neighbourhood Plan has been ‘adopted’, or ‘made’, the policies within the plan must be taken into account by anyone making a planning application and when planning applications and appeals are considered and decided by the local planning authority.

1.2 Setting up our Neighbourhood Plan Community consultation to discuss the possibility of developing the Abram Communities Together (ACT) Neighbourhood Plan began in early 2014, following a meeting between community representatives and local residents from across Abram Ward.

On 25 May 2014, a meeting was attended by 90 Abram Ward residents at which the idea of a neighbourhood plan was discussed and supported.

In 2015, formal applications were submitted to Wigan Council to designate Abram Ward as a Neighbourhood Plan Area and to form a Neighbourhood Forum. The Abram Ward Neighbourhood Forum was formally designated on 6 August 2015. In April 2018 the forum formally changed its name to Abram Ward Communities Together Neighbourhood Forum (ACT Forum).

1.3 ACT Neighbourhood Plan Area The Neighbourhood Plan Area was formally designated by Wigan Council on 6 August 2015. The area lies at the centre of Wigan Borough. It includes all of the electoral Ward of Abram, except for a number of streets within Chatsworth Fold housing estate in the north of the Ward, as half of this estate is in Ince Ward and the Ward boundary does not relate well to features on the ground (Figure 1).

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The Plan Area includes the villages of Abram, Platt Bridge, Bickershaw, Bamfurlong, Bryn Gates and Spring View. Within this document, Bamfurlong and Bryn Gates are jointly known as Bamfurlong.

1 Figure 1 Abram Communities Together Plan Area (©Crown Copyright, Office for National Statistics)

The Plan Area shares boundaries with Ince (Ince Ward) to the north, Hindley (Hindley Ward) and Hindley Green (Hindley Green Ward) to the north-east, Leigh (Leigh West Ward) to the east, Golborne and Lowton (Golborne and Lowton West Ward) to the south, Ashton (Ashton Ward) and Bryn (Bryn Ward) to the west and Wigan (Worsley Mesnes Ward) to the north-west.

1.4 Conforming to basic conditions A Neighbourhood Plan must comply with national, local and city-regional planning strategy and legislation, this is described as meeting ‘basic conditions’.

The plan must: ● Have appropriate regard to national policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State ● Seek to contribute to the achieving of sustainable development ● Generally conform to the strategic policies contained within Wigan Council’s Local 2 Development Plan and Greater Manchester’s Spatial Framework, Revised Draft, 2019 3 (GMSF) 4 ● Be compatible with EU law and human rights obligations

1 Produced by Wigan Council Planning Department, 2015 2 Wigan Council (2013), Wigan Local Plan: Core Strategy, ​ ​ ​ 3 Greater Manchester Combined Authority (2019), Greater Manchester’s Plan for Homes, Jobs and the Environment; Greater ​ ​ Manchester Spatial Framework – Revised Draft – January 2019 4 Legislation.gov.uk (2018), ‘The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012’ ​ http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/637/part/5/made - accessed 1.2.18 ​

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Additionally, a Neighbourhood Plan may not impose less development than that identified in the Local Development Plan.

For more detail on how Abram Communities Together Neighbourhood Plan meets the conditions set out above see separate Basic Conditions Statement.

1.5 Community consultations (add in consultation info from 2016 and 2017) ​ ACT Forum have consulted with local people across the Plan area in order to inform the development of the vision and objectives and the development of policies for Abram Ward.

Two smaller community engagement surveys were undertaken in 2016 and 2017. The 2016 consultation took place over xx days, in xx venue(s). In total xx people took part, they lived in xx ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ villages. The 2017 consultation took place over xx days, in xx venue(s). In total xx people took part, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ they lived in xx villages. ​ ​ ​

In 2018 ACT Forum commissioned Placed to undertake a more in-depth survey with local people. This took place over five days in May 2018, with an exhibition and interactive engagement activities being held in five outdoor locations, one in each village. 136 people took part in the survey (see Placed Consultation for more details).

Key findings from the Placed Consultation were: ● Concerns around losing green space and traffic congestion ● The importance of quality, safe, accessible and well-maintained green space ● Green Gym provision was very popular ● Providing cycle paths that connect green spaces ● A lack of awareness of the network of green spaces in the ward ● Support for community markets and community cafes ● Importance of retaining community centres and clubs ● Enhancing safety and maintenance at children’s play spaces ● A lack of awareness of what community facilities are available in other villages A six-month long engagement project took place entitled ‘Picture This’ from November 2018 to April 2019, It was co-designed and produced with a team of nine people who live or work in Abram Ward. The project asked local people to consider the history of shops and small business across the ward. Local people engaged in various stages of the project: 130 people responded with stories and memories of shops and small business, on postcards and via Facebook; 65 people attended a final event focussed on community wealth building; 18 business managers/owners in Platt Bridge commented in the Business Premises Report; seven local people took part in Platt Bridge Community Green design workshops and 65 people from across the ward commented on the draft vision for the Community Green redesign.

Evidence from the engagement surveys and projects have been integrated into the development of policies.

2. Abram Ward key characteristics (add in photos) ​ A Baseline Evidence Report of Abram Ward has been written to describe in depth, the character of the neighbourhood and its five settlements. This evidence underpins the policies contained within this Plan. The key features of Abram Ward are described here (see Baseline Evidence Report for detail): ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 5

2.1 Abram Ward occupies a central location in Wigan Borough. It has five villages Abram, Bamfurlong, Bickershaw, Platt Bridge and Spring View. Adjacent neighbourhoods are Lower Ince, Ashton in Makerfield, Golbourne and Hindley. Abram Ward has several busy main running through it, forming a junction in the centre of Platt Bridge, they are A537, A58 and B5237. The Plan area doesn’t have a train station.

2.2 The Plan area has a wide range of attractive, accessible green spaces. The entire Plan area is at the centre of Wigan’s regional park The Greenheart. There are four Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), two Sites of Special Scientific interest (SSSis) and seven Sites of Biological Importance (SBIs). These green spaces play an important role in providing Wigan’s essential Green Infrastructure. Many of them form important wildlife habitats, and the neighbourhood forms a key role in Wigan’s ecological network, being part of the Greater Manchester Wetlands area and the Carbon Landscape Project.

th th 2.3 Coal mining was the major industry in the 19 ​ and 20 ​ centuries. However, little of this ​ ​ historic, cultural or architectural history is visible now. Many of Abram Wards green spaces are landscapes restored from former coal mining sites over the last 30 years. The five villages have distinct and separate identities, there remains a lack of connectivity between them.

2.4 In 2015 the ward’s population was 15,544. The local population experiences some deprivation; there are particular concerns about poor levels of health. Life expectancy in the ward is significantly lower that both Wigan and England as a whole.

2.5 Housing character differs within each of the five villages. There is a range of types and tenures of housing, dating from Victorian times to the present day. A fairly large number of house building completions have taken place in the last 13 years. Current average prices paid for housing are in the medium to low range, and the numbers of housing transactions are low. A fairly large number of households are unable to afford these low house prices.

2.6 The proportion of residents with formal qualifications is low. The level of unemployment in the ward is quite high. There are a higher percentage of people working as ‘process plant and machine operatives’ than in Wigan borough and England as a whole, and lower percentage of people working in professional jobs.

2.7 Across the ward, there are various, generally small- to medium-sized, local employers; plus a few larger establishments. Platt Bridge is a designated Local Centre, the other four villages are classed as having ‘small shops and services’. There are 61 business premises in Platt Bridge Centre, 49 of which are active businesses. 75% of active businesses in Platt Bridge Centre are local, independent businesses. There are fewer business premises in the other villages; Abram has 18, Bickershaw, 12 and Spring View, 9. Bamfurlong’s business premises have recently reduced to two.

2.8 Whilst, there is a reasonable level of local health and education services, based mainly in Platt Bridge, there is no mainstream secondary school in the area. Many local people travel by private car to access facilities in nearby towns as public transport availability is limited.

2.9 There are a limited number of facilities offering leisure, culture or entertainment. In recent years several pubs and bars have closed in the area, leaving just two. There are three membership-based bars. Other social facilities are mainly privately-run sports and leisure-focussed (table tennis, amateur rugby league, cricket, motocross).

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2.10 There is a higher percentage of children and young people in Abram Ward, than in Wigan borough and England as a whole. Provision for children and young people is centred on outdoor playgrounds and playing fields, with few other facilities or activities available in the Plan area.

3. Vision and objectives

3.1 Introduction As a Neighbourhood Forum we aim to work together to make the ward an even better place to live for jobs, amenities and services, health and wellbeing and community spirit. We want to encourage the five villages to work together to make a positive difference to the ward overall. We acknowledge the distinguishing characteristics and historic roots of each of the five villages and want to build on and enhance these, as part of our offer and approach to attracting new residents. We aim for Abram Ward to be a vibrant, creative, inclusive and safe neighbourhood, which supports a strong sense of community, and is a pleasant and attractive place to live, work, shop and spend leisure time. ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 7

3.2 Abram Communities Together Neighbourhood Plan vision

For our neighbourhood to be a great place to live and work, with the environment at its heart – making it attractive, resilient, ambitious, thriving and sustainable

3.3 Objectives To deliver our vision we have set out three key objectives to help deliver the vision:

3.3.1 To enhance and protect our internationally significant landscapes and green spaces Abram Ward is home to some beautiful, biodiverse habitats and countryside which need ongoing protection and enhancement. We want local people in Abram Ward, across the Wigan Borough and regionally to be able to appreciate and enjoy these internationally significant landscapes, green and open spaces more, through improved access and providing learning opportunities and outdoor leisure opportunities. We aim to support community and local businesses to find the productive potential of some of these green spaces. ​

3.3.2 To create local employment opportunities, including supporting the development of local community businesses and encouraging local and regional tourism We aim for Abram Ward to be an ambitious, innovative and prosperous neighbourhood, where current and new residents can find fulfilling and varied employment opportunities. We are keen to attract new residents, businesses and visitors into the area. We actively support the development of new local and community businesses, along with the provision of appropriate premises and work-places in our neighbourhood. We aim to encourage local and regional tourism, and ‘green’ business opportunities which will make the most of our landscapes and green spaces.

3.3.3 To provide affordable, energy efficient, high-quality homes for our communities of all ages We aim for our neighbourhood to provide homes for families, couples and single people of all ages and back grounds, these homes will include small and large properties: apartments, houses and bungalows. We also aim for homes in Abram Ward to have a mix of tenures, from social housing, affordable rented homes, affordable homes to buy as well as larger homes to rent or buy. It is essential that new homes are built to high-quality standards with environmental sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront.

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5 The ACT Plan vision is closely aligned with Greater Manchester’s Draft Spatial Framework (2019) Sustainable Places policy, which states that Greater Manchester aims ‘to become one of the most ​ liveable city regions in the world, consisting of a series of beautiful, healthy and varied places’ all ​ development wherever appropriate development should be, distinctive with a clear identity, visually stimulating and imaginative, socially inclusive, resilient, adaptable, durable, resource efficient, safe, functional and convenient, legible (easy to understand and navigate around), easy to move around for all, well-connected, comfortable, incorporating high quality and well-managed green infrastructure, well-served by local shops (Policy GM-E 1). This Plan aims for Abram Ward to develop into a highly liveable area within Wigan Borough, in other words, a great place to live and work, with the environment at its heart.

4. Policy overview

4.1 This Neighbourhood Plan has three policy themes:

5 Greater Manchester Combined Authority (2019), Greater Manchester’s Plan for Homes, Jobs and the Environment; Greater ​ ​ Manchester Spatial Framework – Revised Draft – January 2019 ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 9

● Environment, health and wellbeing (EHW) ● Economic development (ED) ● Housing (H) These themes create a policy framework which will manage development in the Plan Area, in order to achieve the three key objectives of the plan (Section 3). Table 1 shows how each of the themes relates to the three objectives.

Table 1 Plan objectives and policy themes

Policy theme areas Plan objectives Environment, Economic Housing health and development (H) wellbeing (ED) (EHW) 3.2.1 To enhance and protect our ✔ ✔ internationally significant landscapes and green spaces 3.2.2 To create local employment opportunities, ✔ ✔ including supporting the development of local community businesses and encouraging local and regional tourism 3.2.3 To provide affordable, energy efficient, ✔ ✔ high-quality homes for our communities of all ages

4.2 Each policy theme has a number of detailed polices associated with it. Some of these policies support the delivery of more than one of the Plan’s objectives (Table 2).

Table 2 Policies listed in themes

Policy area: Policy area: Policy area: Economic Development (ED) Environment, health and Housing (H) wellbeing (EHW) ED1 Village commercial EHW1 Improving pedestrian H1 Mixed housing tenures zones and cycling routes and affordable housing

ED2 Controlling Hot food EHW2 Improving active H2 Specialist care takeaways travel to better provision 2.1 & 2.2 connect the five villages ED3 A3 Restaurants and EHW3 Reducing air pollution H3 High-quality building cafes developments design ED4 Site allocations for new EHW4 Abram Circular Walks H4 Energy efficiency and business premises on-site renewable energy ED5 Retention of existing EHW5 Connecting the five business premises villages ED6 Redeveloping Platt EHW6 Green Corridor Bridge Community designations Green

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ED7 Retaining and EHW7 Local Green Space enhancing community designation facilities ED8 D2 Assembly and EHW8 Improving access to leisure use classes Victoria Fields ED9 Retaining community EHW9 Improvements to pubs existing green space ED10 Retaining EHW10 Productive non-designated greenspaces heritage assets

4.3 Table 3 outlines how each Policy Map relates to each policy. ​

Table 3 How Policy Maps relate to policies

Policy Map Title Related policy

1 Main roads in Abram Ward EHW1 2 Greenbelt and settlements EHW4, EHW5, EHW6 3 Local Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific EHW4, EHW5 Interest and Sites of Biological Importance 4 Abram Circular Walks EHW4, EHW5 5 Green Corridor designations EHW6 6 Local Green Space designation EHW7, EHW8 7 Abram Centre ED1, ED2, ED3, ED4, ED7, ED8 8 Bamfurlong Centre ED1, ED2, ED3, ED4, ED7, ED8 9 Bickershaw Centre ED1, ED2, ED3, ED4, ED7, ED8 10 Platt Bridge Centre ED1, ED2, ED3, ED4, ED7, ED8 11 Spring View Centre ED1, ED2, ED3, ED4, ED7, ED8 12 Platt Bridge Community Green currently ED6 13 Platt Bridge Community Green redesign ED6 14 Productive green space EHW10 15 Amenity Green Space designations EHW9 16 Community facilities (ward-wide, plus village insets) ED7

5. Policies This section outlines the Plan’s neighbourhood development policies, and explains the reasons for each one. Each policy is set out in a blue break-out box.

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This section also identifies a number of Community Projects, and shows how each is linked to the policy theme and how they will support the neighbourhood development policy. They are set out in orange break-out boxes.

A number of documents containing evidence to support the policies outlined are referred to in this section. They are: Abbreviations are: BE Abram Ward Baseline Evidence BR Platt Bridge Business Premises Report CG Platt Bridge Community Green Visioning Report PC Placed Consultation

A. Environment, Health and Wellbeing

Environment, Health and Wellbeing Objectives

Enhance and protect Abram Ward’s landscapes and green spaces ● Strengthen connectivity between the five villages ● Improve access for local people to green spaces ● Promote healthy communities ● Ensure well-connected green infrastructure ● Enhance condition of local green spaces ● Support productive potential of local green spaces

A1. Ward-wide connectivity and active travel 1.1 Abram Ward’s five villages have had distinct histories and identities. However, the success of this ​ ​ ward-wide Neighbourhood Plan will be in working together and sharing resources to improve the ward as a whole, including being better connected.

1.2 Wigan Council reports that the borough as a whole has high rates of commuting out of the borough for work (BE para 6.14), having no train station and a poor bus service (Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) reports the ward does not score high for access to public transport, BE para 6.14). Therefore, most local people use private cars to travel around the area, into Wigan centre and other neighbouring areas.

1.3 The main roads (the A58, A573 and B5237) are very busy throughout the area, and key junctions get very congested during rush hours morning and evening, and school-run times (especially as the ward does not have a mainstream secondary school). See Policy Map 1 Main Roads in Abram Ward.

1.4 The centre of Platt Bridge has three air quality management areas (BE para 5.5), all on the A537 leading to and from Wigan and through the ward’s central junction in Platt Bridge, which links all 5 villages. Policy EHW1 aims to reduce air pollution in general and during building work.

1.5 Increasing active travel for getting to work, school, shopping and to visit friends and family such as walking and cycling can have a positive impact on physical health and mental wellbeing, and is key to

ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 12 overcoming the ward’s health challenges, and is key feature of GMSF’s Sustainable Places Policy GME-1 (making places easy to move around and well-connected).

1.6 Poorly designed cycling infrastructure, can make conditions for cycling less safe for cyclists, than 6 providing no infrastructure at all . Developers are required to produce well-designed cycle infrastructure adopting standards set out in Department of Transport’s guidance ‘Cycling Infrastructure Design’. Policy EHW2 aims to improve the ward’s pedestrian and cycle routes and Policy EHW3 aims to improve active travel to better connect the five villages.

1.7 It is important that the streets (pavements and roads) in Abram Ward are safe and easy to use for all people regardless of age or disability.

1.8 Increasing connectivity between the five villages will enhance the regular use of businesses in each of the villages. The Placed consultation reported that people in one village lack awareness of what assets and amenities are available in other villages (PC p.14). There are concerns that the smaller village centres are not as well used as they could be (PC p.15), in the last few years this has led to the loss of all but one of Bamfurlong’s shops.

1.9 Platt Bridge Community Green Visioning Report identified that Platt Bridge with its role as the central hub of the ward, is used as a place to drive through to get somewhere else (CG, p.18). Better connections between the five villages using active travel modes will encourage people to stay and use their facilities and amenities, and strengthen the whole economy in so doing (also see Policy EHW7). Project EHW-a supports developing safer cycling and pedestrian routes and Project EHW-b supports enhancing public transport to local green spaces and community facilities and village centres.

1.10 Enhanced connectivity between the five villages will also create a joint sense of local identity and culture, strengthen social bonds and deepen collective pride in the whole area.

A2. Abram Circular Walks

2.1 Abram Ward is mainly within the Green Belt, is fully within the borough’s regional park The Greenheart and the Greater Manchester Wetlands area (BE para 3.2 and 3.6). (See Policy Map 2 Green Belt and settlements). It has a diverse range of habitats (many of which are restored landscapes), including grasslands, woodlands and wetlands. This is a network of key Green Infrastructure which provides resilience to climate change and key local and regional ecological habitats, offering wildlife corridors for insects, birds and small mammals (some of which are rare and endangered) (BE Section 2).

2.2 The Plan Area’s Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSis) and Sites of 7 Biological Importance (SBIs) are: a). Low Hall Park (LNR, SBI) b). Ince Moss (LNR, SSSi, SBI area known as Horrocks Flash which occupys the same area as Ince Moss) c). Abram Flashes (LNR, SSSi)

6 Department for Transport (2008), Local Transport Note 02/08: Cycling Design Infrastructure ​ ​ 7 Greater Manchester has designated a number of sites of biological importance (SBIs). The Environment Partnership (2010), ​ Wigan’s Biodiversity: An Audit of the Biodiversity Resource within the Borough ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 13 d) Three Sisters (LNR, SBI overlapping with neighbouring ward Ashton) e). Amberswood Common (SBI) f). Barlow’s Farm (SBI overlapping with neighbouring ward Hindley Green) g). Maypole Wood (SBI, BE para 3.3) i). Platt Bridge Heath (SBI)

See Policy Map 4.

2.3 This Plan identifies three other key green spaces in Abram Ward. These are identified in Wigan Council’s open spaces classification ‘Open Space, Sport and Recreation 8 Provision and Needs Assessment’ (OSSR) as Natural and semi-natural greenspace, these are: ● Victoria Fields (see Policy EH7) ● Viridor Woods (see Policy EH6) ● Kingsdown Flash (known locally as Polly’s Pond, see Policy EH7)

2.3 Farming as well coal mining has also been important to the Abram Ward area, there are a number of designated rights of way (BE para 7.16) and many other footpaths, bridle-paths leading through and across the countryside surrounding the five villages. Additionally, the Leigh Branch of the Liverpool and Leeds canal is part of Wigan’s Greenway Network (BE para 3.12).

2.4 This plan aims for local people in Abram Ward to be able to easily access these local nature reserves, and other green spaces. Improving connectivity between the villages will improve local people’s connection to local nature reserves and other green spaces in the ward, which the Placed consultation identified a need for (PC p.15).

2.5 Walking (and cycling) in and around these green spaces and from one village to another is key to enhancing and maintaining local people’s physical and mental health, and was identified in the Placed consultation as very important to local people (BC p.12).

2.6 This plan also aims for those living elsewhere in the borough and further afield across the region to recognise and appreciate these landscapes for themselves.

2.7 ACT Forum members and AWCC have worked with Lancashire Wildlife Trust to develop the new Abram 9 Circular Walks . A series of walks (and cycle routes) have been created, based on a main circular route linking Amberswood Common, via Bickershaw with Pennington Flash (south of the Plan Area), returning by looping up east of Abram and Platt Bridge. Additional radial paths connect to the five villages centres and key community facilities (see Policy Map 3 Abram Circular Walks). Policy EHW4 protects Abram Circular Walks from developments which will block access to village centres from the walks.

2.8 Access to the five villages via Abram Circular Walks: ● Bamfurlong both North and South ● Bickershaw (both east and west areas), as well as Bickershaw Village Community Club

8 Wigan Council (2017), Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision and Needs Assessment ​ ​

9Lancashire Wildlife Trust (2019), Abram Ward Public Rights of Way Audit Summary Report ​ ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 14

● Platt Bridge Centre, Platt Bridge Community Green, and Platt Bridge Community Zone ● Spring View and Spring View Community Sports Association ● Abram (along the eastern edge of the settlement) and south at Dover Bridge, and Maypole Wood Policy EHW5 supports new developments to make foot and cycle path links and signage to existing routes, village centres and to Abram Circular Walks.

2.9 All of the key green spaces in the ward (and those adjacent) are connected to Abram Circular Walks; Amberswood Common; Low Hall; Victoria Fields; Bickershaw Country Park (in adjacent area); Pennington Flash (in adjacent area); Maypole Woods; Viridor Woods; Three Sisters (small area in ACT Plan Area); Ince Moss/Horrocks Flash; Wigan Flashes (adjacent); Kingsdown Flash (see Policy Map 4).

2.10 At certain points Abram Circular Walks link with some of the existing designated rights of way, the Wigan Greenway Network and elements of the existing TfGM cycle networks.

2.11 Abram Circular Walks provides significant enhancement of the footpath network, healthy physical activity and creates essential linkages between the five villages and the key green space assets in Abram Ward.

2.12 Lancashire Wildlife Trust continue to work with landowners and the local authority to enhance the conditions of the paths and open up some closed off routes on the Abram Circular Walks.

2.13 It is noted by Lancashire Wildlife Trust that clear signage is generally lacking to navigate footpaths in Abram Ward and to link to villages and community and commercial facilities. It will also support the putting up of signage on the Abram Circular Walks to help connect walkers (and cyclists) to the five villages, community facilities and key green spaces such as Amberswood Common. Project EHW-c aims to ensure that all paths are open, safe, signposted and accessible to the public.

2.14 Once local people get used to using the new Abram Circular Walks, they will be inspired to use other paths and make their own journeys using the footpath, bridle-way and cycle-path network further enhancing their appreciation of their local area, whilst supporting their mental and physical health.

2.15 Abram Circular Walks create a healthy walking option for local people to connect locally to work, school, friends and family, but also connects them to adjacent green spaces, in neighbouring areas such as Pennington Flash. Project EHW-d supports the development of ‘safer routes to schools’.

2.16 The canal path is already well-used (for leisure and also travel to work in Wigan centre) and considered safe and accessible by local people (PC p.10). This path will be well signposted to inspire local people to branch out onto other parts of Abram Circular Walks. Project EHW-e supports the enhancing of some of Abram Circular Walks routes to be wheelchair and scooter accessible.

2.17 Local people have expressed strong interest (PC p. 14) in green gym equipment being placed around the ward to give further healthy outdoor physical exercise for local people Project EHW-f supports the placing of Green Gyms in Local Green Space sites in Bamfurlong (Bryn Gates Play Area), Bickershaw (Bickershaw Village Community Club) and Platt Bridge (Platt Bridge Community Green). See Policy Maps 7, 8 and 9.

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2.18 The Sustrans cycle route 55 runs along the North East edge of the ward, very close to Abram Circular Walks, Victoria Fields and Bickershaw (BE para 7.16). This route in development leading to Wigan and Manchester, has potential to be linked to Abram Circular Walks with signage (physical and online). Project EHW-g supports the further development of Sustrans route 55 to link to Abram Circular Walks and TfGM cycle network to village centres.

2.19 Abram Circular Walks will also support an increase in local and regional tourism into the area. Although Abram Ward is part of the Greenheart Regional Park, it doesn’t currently have any local or regional tourism making up its local economy. The ward is frequently an area which people drive through and do not stop to use local community or commercial facilities.

2.20 Abram Circular Walks will offer a strong reason to travel to the ward. The main circular route is 10 km long and local and regional walkers wishing to explore the area, and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the habitats will visit the neighbourhood, and will also strengthen the local economy through use of local shops and cafes.

A3 Green Corridors and Local Green Space

3.1 A Green Corridor links housing areas to workplaces and community facilities and promotes active travel modes such as walking and cycling. Green Corridors also act as ‘vital linkages for wildlife dispersal between 10 ​ wetlands and the countryside ’.

3.2 This plan designates two new Green Corridors 1 and 2 (see Policy Map 5 Green Corridor Designations).

3.3 These two new corridors are part of the Green Belt (Policy Map 2) which almost entirely surrounds the five villages. They are also part of a large area of Wildlife Corridor (Policy EV2C, Wigan Council, BE para 3.2).

3.4 Green Corridor 1 also incorporates some of Wigan Council’s Greenway Network (BE para 3.12). And incorporates land characterised by Wigan Council in its OSSR as Natural and semi-natural open spaces, ‘Woodcock Park’, near Woodcock Drive (AB/NG/6) and ‘Kingsdown Flash’, known locally as Polly’s Pond, 11 near Lee Lane (AB/NG/5) (BE Table 2).

3.5 Green Corridor 2 incorporates land described by Wigan Council in its OSSR as Natural and semi-natural 12 open spaces as Viridor Woods (Forestry Commission) Bolton Road (AB/NG/34) .

3.6 These two new Green Corridors are needed to consolidate much needed connectivity between the five villages. Policy EHW6 creates two new Green Corridor designations.

3.7 Green Corridor 1 links Maypole Woods to Kingsdown Flash to Low Hall and Green Corridor 2 links Abram Flashes to Viridor Woods to Three Sisters (see Policy Map 4). Both new corridors incorporate parts of Abram Circular Walks, (Policy Map 3) as well as other existing bridle ways and foot paths.

10 planningportal.co.uk, Green Corridor/Wildlife Corridor, ​ ​ ​ https://www.planningportal.co.uk/directory_record/267/green_corridor_wildlife_corridor 11 Wigan Council (2017), Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision and Needs Assessment: Appendix B Data Tables ​ 12 Ibid ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 16

3.8 These two Green Corridors have been designated to strengthen, consolidate and connect the ward’s inter-related pattern of valued green spaces (it’s Green Infrastructure) (BE para 3.12) to ensure good quality wildlife corridors for biodiversity, as well as managing flood risk (BE para 3.7) and enhance community recreation and access.

3.9 This policy works alongside Policy EHW4 and EHW5 and will ensure that this land can be further ​ enhanced and managed appropriately (for example ensuring that foot paths are kept open and in good condition (BE para 6.3).

3.10 Good quality Green Infrastructure can help improve a local communities health and wellbeing, through physical exercise, recreational activities in the outdoors, social interaction, caring for nature 13 supporting physical health and mental wellbeing (BE para 3.12).

3.11 Policy EHW6 (and policies EHW4 and EHW5) aim to ensure that local people will have ongoing access to high quality green spaces. This is a particular issue in a ward where health challenges are a concern, with life expectancy well below national averages for both men and women and where young children’s weight at reception age is above the national average (BE Section 5).

3.12 Policy EHW6 will also support policy EHW2 Improving active travel to better connect the five villages.

3.13 Victoria Fields is an area characterised by Wigan Council in its OSSR as Natural and semi-natural open space.

3.14 Maypole Wood is an SBI (see Policy Map 4), and is 14 classified as Woodland in Wigan Councils’ OSSR .

3.15 This plan designates these two pieces of land as a Local Green Space due to their significance as a green space close to the community these spaces serve, people living and working in Bickershaw and in Abram. Policy EHW7 and EHW8 (alongside policy EHW6) aims to ensure that local people will have ongoing access to high quality green spaces (see Policy Map 6 Local Green Space designation).

3.16 Victoria Fields is a former colliery site, which has been restored back to a natural landscape and is managed in part by local groups and organisations including Bickershaw Village Residents Association. Maypole Wood is also a former colliery site restored back to a woodland, and is managed by Abram Woodlands and Wildlife Group. Both sites are regularly used by local people for recreation and dog walking and hold special significance for local people, due to their heritage as former colliery site in each of the villages, which remain of strong significance to local people whose families worked there (see Policy Map 4).

3.17 Victoria Fields forms part of the Abram Circular Walks and creates a key corridor between Low Hall and Bickershaw Country Park. It is adjacent on its eastern edge to Barlow Moor SBI (see Policy Map 4). Maypole Wood forms part of Abram Circular Walks, and forms a link between Green Corridor 1 to Green Corridor 2 (see Policy Maps 3, 5 and 6).

3.18 Platt Bridge Community Green is also designated as a Local Green Space, sited within Platt Bridge Centre (Policy Map 10). See Section B4 for details on its value as a key open space for local people in Platt Bridge (Policy Maps 6 and 7).

13 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/natural-environment ‘Natural Environment’ Accessed 22.7.19 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 14 Wigan Council (2017), Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision and Needs Assessment: Appendix B Data Tables ​ ​ ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 17

3.19 Access to Victoria Fields Local Green Space will become vitally important to the health and wellbeing of local people in this neighbouring area when it is developed.

3.20 See Section A4 for details of Maypole Wood and policy on productive green spaces.

3.21 Abram Ward has a number of other important green spaces. It has smaller areas of woodland, sports playing fields and recreation grounds, play grounds and other green spaces (known as Amenity Green Space in the OSSR) (BE Appendices 3, 5 and 6). ACT Forum has also identified a number of key ponds used regularly for fishing by local people. This Plan designates the following green spaces as Amenity Green Spaces (see Policy Map xx):

Abram: a) Abram Park b) Abram Labour Club Play Area c) St Johns Street Recreation Ground

Bamfurlong: a) Bryn Gates Play Area b) Furlong Close Play Area

Bickershaw: a) Barracks Road Play Area b) Beacon Road Play Area c) Bickershaw Lane Play Area d) St James Crescent Play Area e) Queens Fishery f) Fan Lodge Fishery g) Pond near Morris Farm

Platt Bridge: a) Stratton Drive/Fogg Folds Recreation Ground b) Kent Avenue Play Area c) Neville Street Play Area d) Westcroft Play Area e) Platt Bridge Teen Meet f) Scafell Grove Recreation Ground g) Woodcock Drive Recreation Ground h) Miners Welfare Recreation Ground i) Warrington Road Recreation Ground j) Woodland North East of Stratton Drive (AB/WL/18 on OSSR) k) Gone Fishing Pond

Spring View: a) Spring View Community Association Play Area (Repton Avenue) b) Taylors Lane recreation grounds c) Two Ponds Fishery

3.22 Abram Ward has a high number of children under 16, higher than the average for the borough. Apart from playing fields, there are very a limited number of facilities centred on sport, fitness, leisure, culture or entertainment for young people in the area. See BE Appendix 3 for details of play areas and Appendix 5 for sports and fitness facilities. ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 18

3.23 There are 6 unmarked sports pitches in the ward, St John’s St Recreation Ground is the only one with a marked sports pitch.

3.24 The Placed Consultation highlighted that local people have a strong interest in the increase and improvement of children’s play spaces throughout the ward (especially as regards safety and inclusion of disabled children, BC p.11). Project EHW-h supports making more play areas accessible for disabled children and young people.

3.25 It was identified in the Placed Consultation that some green spaces and play areas are not in good condition and are not well-maintained (PC p.15). It is essential to maintain and improve the condition of green spaces, including playing fields and playgrounds in each of the five villages, to ensure all children and young people have the access to outdoor play they need for their health and development

3.26 The Placed Consultation also highlighted that local people would like to see more meadow planting in its green spaces (see p.11). Suitable planting, including meadow flowers on grassed areas to support biodiversity and species migration, and the creation of swales (a low area of land that is moist or marshy, that will allow water to run off a site) with appropriate planting, to help mitigate against flooding and climate change can significantly enhance the attractiveness of a local green space. Policy EHW9 aims to improve existing green spaces through measures such as tree planting, meadow planting, play facilities, signage and green gyms. Project EHW-i explores ways for community businesses to take on managing local green spaces, where appropriate.

3.27 Signage to identify where local green spaces are on roads and in the five villages is in some cases poor (see para A2.13 and Project EHW-c).

A4. Productive green spaces

4.1 There are a number of sites in the ward currently producing food for local people’s private use.

This Plan identifies the below sites, as current productive green spaces. (see Policy Map xx): ​

a) Abram Community Garden b) Cook Street Allotments, Abram

c) Byrn Gates Allotments, Bamfurlong d) James Street Allotments, Bamfurlong

e) Wright Street/Kingsdown Allotments, Platt Bridge f) Low Hall Park Allotments, Platt Bridge g) Crompton Street Allotments, Platt Bridge

4.2 This plan aims to support the repurposing of some areas within appropriate local green spaces to sites of production for community benefit; such as orchards, vegetable gardens, coppicing of trees, charcoal burning, mushroom cultivation or wood crafts. Policy EHW 10 aims to support ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 19 the setting up production and other facilities for community businesses on appropriate green space.

4.3 Two sites have been identified as sites with the potential to be productive for community benefit (ie to be managed by community businesses and/or social enterprises). These are: a). Maypole Wood (Policy Map 4) b). Platt Bridge Community Zone Garden (see Policy Maps ​ xx).

4.4 ACT Forum and AWCC in partnership with local people and other organisations working with local green spaces in the neighbourhood aim to investigate the potential for other appropriate sites to be more productive for the community, greater health and wellbeing and for the better management of land. Project EHW-j, Project EHW-k and ​ Project EHW-l support the setting up community business/social enterprises which use appropriate local green spaces productively.

B. Economic Development

Strengthen economic development objectives

● Create fulfilling and varied local employment opportunities ● Support local and community business development ● Attract new residents to the area (also in Housing) ● Attract new businesses to the area ● Encourage local and regional tourism ● Retain, increase and enhance community facilities

B1. Village commercial zones and use classes

1.1 This Plan aims to enhance the vitality and viability of each village centre, to meet the day-to-day needs of the community and enrich and enliven the public realm, as well as help identify where existing business premises should be retained, where new business premises should be sited and to encourage the development of new business or mixed use premises within the boundaries of each zone (see Policy Maps 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11).

1.2 The five villages were originally built along the main arterial roads through the ward (BE para 2.2), with rows of shops (and other businesses) fronting onto these roads.

1.3 Of the five villages, Platt Bridge is central to the ward, it has the only designated Local Centre which is located centrally within the ward, at the key junction which connects all five villages (BE para 2.2). It has the largest number of business premises with 61 business premises (housing 49 active businesses) (BR para 6.8). This Plan defines business as both retail, servicing, production and employment sites.

1.4 Abram, Bickershaw and Spring View, have respectively around 18, 12 and 9 active business premises in their centres (BE para 6.12). These premises are now dislocated, with one or two business premises next to each other and

ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 20 gaps with residential houses in between (see Policy Map 7, 9, 11).

1.5 In the last two years Bamfurlong has lost some businesses and now has only two active businesses premises in its centre (BE para 7.12). In Bamfurlong local people’s access to shops and local facilities has decreased significantly (see Policy Map 8).

1.6 Platt Bridge’s commercial centre is located around the central junction and Walthew Lane (see Policy Map 10). Identifying a central and coherent commercial zone was more challenging for the other four villages, however, it is considered essential to this Plan to support the drive towards inclusively regenerating each village centre (Policy Maps 7, 8, 9, 11). Bickershaw has two commercial zones (East and West), aligning with its two residential areas and existing active business premises. Policy ED1 identifies a commercial zone in each of the five villages, and supports the development of new business premises and mixed-use developments in these zones.

1.7 This Plan supports the ward being home to a breadth of businesses at different scales and types, and is especially supportive of the development of new local, independent businesses in the area, as these businesses contribute most fully to its community economic development approach, often strongly supporting the local community and vice versa.

1.8 Use class information for Platt Bridge is detailed in Section 8 of the Platt Bridge Business Premises Report (BR). 39% of all business premises are in A1 Shop use class and 17% of all business premises are in A5 Hot food takeaway use class. 16% of all business premises are sui generis, 8% are B1 Business light industry, 6% are B8 Storage, 5% are D1 non-residential institutions, 2% are A3 Restaurant and cafes (see Section 8 of BR).

1.9 Whilst business premises in B2 General Industrial and A4 Drinking establishments use classes exist, there are no active businesses in either use class. There is only one active business with the A3 use class Restaurant and cafes. There are no business premises in A2 Financial and professional services D2 Assembly and leisure use classes.

1.10 AWCC is using a community wealth building (CWB) approach, also known as community economic development, in Wigan Borough and is based in Abram Ward. AWCC is working with local people and ACT Forum to build a stronger local economy in Abram Ward, by developing more community businesses and social enterprises which trade for the benefit of the community, creating more local jobs and training, ensuring more people shop and spend locally, with less money leaking out of the area (BE para 7.10).

1.11 The commercial zones identified in each village highlight the relationship between the commercial and community facilities. Where possible community facilities are included or are adjacent to the zones, to encourage people to dwell longer in each village, by having more reasons to be there, to strengthen the local economy. Project ED-a supports the production and placing of signage connecting commercial zones and Abram Circular Walks.

1.12 The commercial zones aim to enable easy access to key green spaces local to each village and Abram Circular Walks. For example, Bickershaw’s commercial zone, is adjacent to Victoria Fields and Abram Circular Walks lead to Bickershaw Village Community Club one of the businesses (and community facilities) in the commercial zone. ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 21

1.13 This plan supports the extending of Sustrans route 55 through Victoria Fields and to Bickershaw. Encouraging active travel modes to access and use local centres, particularly the nearest to the Sustrans route Bickershaw, would enhance local people’s health and wellbeing, and commuting or day visitor cyclists would use the commercial and community facilities there and strengthen the local economy. (See Project EHW-g).

1.14 Platt Bridge Business Premises Report reported that shop managers and owners felt very positive about the strong community spirit in Platt Bridge Centre (BR para 6.1).

1.15 Platt Bridge Business Premises Report identified that 32% of business premises in Platt Bridge Centre are unattractive and in a poor condition. The attractiveness of shop and business frontages impacts on pride in a place, for local people, shoppers and business owners and their staff. It also impacts on the community’s choice to regularly use their local businesses, as shop fronts in poor condition can discourage shopping in an area. A strong link is recognised between ‘the quality of an environment and economic 15 success of a place’ .

16 1.16 Streets feel safer when they have good surveillance , (when people can see out of windows from buildings adjacent to the street, and when there are plenty of passers-by). Surveillance is a natural way for shopkeepers to keep an eye on the street outside their shop, meaning that anti-social or criminal activity is discouraged because this activity is easily seen. A shopping area with good surveillance also feels more welcoming, neighbourly and attractive to shoppers and potential shoppers.

1.17 Platt Bridge Business Premises Report identified that 38% of businesses were not able to see out onto the street outside their business in daytime. As part of supporting the vitality and viability of commercial zones in Abram Ward, the plan encourages better street surveillance from shops to have a positive effect on daytime (and potentially night-time) safety and security for residents and shoppers. Project ED-b and Project ED-c supports the setting up of a formal partnership between AWCC, ACT Forum and local businesses to develop an inclusive regeneration strategy, including plans to improve shopfront and fascia condition.

B2. Abram Ward: a healthy place

2.1 This Plan aims to facilitate Abram Ward becoming a healthy place, as defined in Planning Practice 17 Guidance , ‘A healthy place is one which supports and promotes healthy behaviours and environments and ​ a reduction in health inequalities for people of all ages. It will provide the community with opportunities to improve their physical and mental health, and support community engagement and wellbeing. It meets the needs of children and young people to grow and develop.’ ​

2.2 There is a strong association with deprivation and the 18 density of fast food outlets . In 2015 it was identified that Abram Ward was significantly worse than England as a whole, in the areas of income deprivation, child poverty 19 and older people in deprivation .

2.3 Platt Bridge Business Premises Report identified that 17% of all business premises (9 premises) in Platt Bridge Centre are in the A5 Hot food takeaway use class.

15 Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative (2014), Improving Govan’s Shopfronts, http://www.getintogovan.com/thi/ - accessed ​ ​ ​ 11.4.19 16 CABE (2003), Councillors Guide to Urban Design ​ 17 PPG Update 22.7.19 18 PHE (2014) Healthy people, healthy places briefing Obesity and the environment: regulating the growth of fast food outlets 19 Public Health England (2018), ‘Public England Health: Local Health’ – available at http://www.localhealth.org.uk/ - accessed ​ ​ ​ 6.2.18. Data source: DCLG @ Copyright 2015 ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 22

2.4 This plan supports the control of Hot food takeaways in Abram Ward’s local centres, due to serious concerns about the general population’s health in the ward, and especially the health of children and young people in the ward (BE para 5.3).

2.5 Hot food takeaway businesses which only open up at night, and have closed shutters during the day have a negative impact on the vitality of commercial zones. Policy ED2.1 and ED2.2 support the control of Hot food takeaways across the Plan Area.

2.6 Platt Bridge Business Premises Report identified that of 61 business premises in Platt Bridge Centre there were only 2 premises were in the A3 Restaurant and café use class, only one of which is an active business (BR Section 8).

2.7 Increasing the number of sit-down eating options for families, shoppers and commuters which open throughout the day and into the evening will help with enlivening Village Commercial Zones, by increasing dwell time in the villages, and help strengthen the local economy. Policy ED3 supports the development of new A3 Restaurants and cafes uses in commercial zones.

2.8 The Placed consultation reported that local people felt that an increase in community cafes would support the strengthening of the local economy. They also commented on a lack of diverse food options, the need for places for families to eat in the evenings and the need for more social spaces. Project ED-d supports the development of new community restaurants and cafes in the commercial zones.

B3. Business premises developments and job opportunities

3.1 The ACT Forum strongly supports the growth and development of small businesses of all types (private, local, independent, social enterprises and community businesses) throughout the ward.

3.2 Abram Ward has lower employment than other parts of Wigan and England as a whole (BE para 7.1). Local residents also have significantly lower educational attainment than Wigan and England (BE para 7.4).

3.3 However, a higher percentage are in manual and skilled trades than in the rest of Wigan and England as whole (BE para 7.3). AWCC’s community wealth building approach through it’s Made in Wigan programme, is to encourage local people to aspire repurpose their practical skills towards working in or running new social businesses, which also benefit the local community.

3.4 This Plan seeks to encourage local independent and community business and social enterprises to set up and relocate in Abram Ward, to increase local jobs and training opportunities. This will begin to address the decline in business premises in each of the five

ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 23 villages, in line with national trends (PC p.15), as part of a strategy to strengthen the local economy and create jobs and training opportunities. Policy ED4 encourages new business and mixed-use developments in the commercial zones.

3.5 This plan also aims to encourage new businesses to expand, set up and/or relocate to Abram Ward to occupy existing retail and service premises, workshops and processing/production facilities. Policy ED5 encourages the retention of existing business premises, particularly in the commercial zones.

3.6 Platt Bridge Business Premises Report reported that currently only 8% of business premises in Platt Bridge Centre are in the B1 Business light industry use class. This Plan recognises expanding businesses may need additional production, storage and servicing facilities.

3.7 It is a concern that there are a number of vacant and sometimes derelict premises in the ward (particularly identified in the P​ latt Bridge Business Premises Report, para 13.10), where ownership of the site is unknown locally. T​ hese ​ premises are unused assets, which could be benefitting the community and supporting the building of a stronger local community. Project Ed-e supports investigating the ownership of empty business premises.

3.8 Brownfield sites and derelict buildings across Abram Ward have been identified which could be redeveloped for business use (see Policy Map xx).

B4. Platt Bridge Community Green Redevelopment

4.1 Platt Bridge Community Green was created in 2011, when Platt Bridge Centre was redeveloped by Wigan Council. It is a small rectangular site of around 1875 m2 approximately (Policy Map 12), identified as an Amenity Green Space on the OSSR and located to the east of Platt Bridge Centre.

4.2 The current Green is mainly grassed over, with one path bisecting it, a fenced Christmas Tree and several benches located in the centre, near the path. There is a stand of mature deciduous trees (native species) to the North East, with a ring of less mature trees around the rest of the eastern perimeter. The Green has a small disabled access car park to the south (for more detail see Platt Bridge Community Green Visioning Report). The Green is encircled by four streets. Residential housing is sited to the East and South, to the North and West shops and businesses.

4.3 Platt Bridge Community Green is designated as a Local Green Space (see Policy EHW7).

4.4 ACT Forum and AWCC commissioned a community visioning process and an initial redesign of the Community Green in 2018, which was completed in summer 2019. The redesign aims to create a multi-use, ​ ​ flexible, social, healthy, green focal point. The Green will connects local people and visitors (bringing in regional tourism) to other local green spaces and villages in Abram Ward.

4.5 This redesign will make the neighbourhood a more beautiful, healthy and varied place (a more liveable place, as described in GMSF Sustainable Place Policy GM-E 1). In line with our vision, this plan aims to redesign and develop Platt Bridge Community Green as a ‘Visually stimulating, creating interesting and ​ imaginative environments which raise the human spirit through the use of green space, public art and quality design’ (GMSF Policy GM-E 1). ​

4.6 When the site was redeveloped in 2011, it was intended to be a public realm site for use of local people across the ward to congregate for communal activities such as carol singing or local celebratory events. However, the site is not well used, and many local people living in Platt Bridge don’t know it is there (CG Section 3.3). ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 24

4.7 This Plan aims for Platt Bridge Community Green, to be a better public space, tapping into its unused potential and improving the public realm in the ward as a whole, as part of Platt Bridge’s role as the Local Centre in ward.

4.8 The redesign of the Green builds on its assets, identified in the community-led design analysis (CG Section 3.4), which include its mature trees, sun-path, open-ness, legible layout, close proximity to local shops and community facilities and number of ‘paths’ in an out of the site (ten) (see Platt Bridge Community Green Visioning Report for more details).

4.9 Other issues that the redesign seeks to address are that the site isn’t welcoming or very attractive, it is unsafe to cross and access the site, it has very limited uses, car noise and air pollution are high, it lacks biodiversity, has night-time anti-social behaviour and the site lacks identity and local community pride

4.10 The ACT Forum and AWCC have multiple goals in redesigning Platt Bridge Community Green: a) Creating an attractive, outdoor, focal point in the ward b) Promoting and enhancing community health and wellbeing c) Providing leisure and recreation opportunities d) Connecting local people to Local Green Spaces, via Abram Circular Walks e) Supporting the goal of better connectivity throughout the ward, and awareness of what other villages have to offer f) Nurturing the sense of community across the 5 villages g) Celebrating local identity, history and nurture local pride h) Increasing social interaction i) Improving access for older people, disabled people and families j) Enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity k) Improving local and visitor awareness of the Green as a community facility l) Strengthening the local economy by increasing footfall for businesses m) Providing outdoor site for community market and other community events n) Improving road safety in Platt Bridge Centre

4.11 The redesign comprises 15 new elements to be added to the current Community Green site. Policy ED6 supports ACT Forum and AWCC to take forward the redesign of the Green. Project ED-f will ensure that further engagement and consultation with local people and businesses take place.

4.12 The 15 new elements will be delivered over three stages (CG Section 4 for details).

4.13 Stage 1 ● An events area, featuring a new durable surface, which allows the grass to grow through, allows water to drain away and can be mown. This will make the Green a flexible and adaptable space, where temporary outdoor events such as ​ community markets, outdoor theatre, and other community events can take place throughout the year.

● Landmark sculpture(s) sited to the North and South of the site. To overcome the lack of awareness ​ that this space exists and the space’s lack of distinctive identity. Landmark sculptures will provide visible and distinctive landmarks, and provide waymarkers to the site itself from Liverpool Road (North) and Walthew Lane (South). The sculpture designs focusses on the ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 25

ward’s biodiversity featuring a dragonfly, accurate signposts to the other 4 villages and a ground level map of the ward featuring the five villages and key local green spaces to encourage connectivity between the five villages, and embedded digital histories of the local area. It will be visually stimulating and imaginative.

● New Christmas Tree to replace the current damaged one, as part of upgrading the quality of current trees, making the space more visually attractive and providing a quality focal point for community celebrations.

● Dog poo bin(s) added to the site, to keep the site safe and tidy for the community.

● Bird boxes to overcome the lack of nesting birds in the trees, enhancing the biodiversity on the Green.

4.14 Stage 2 ● Art mural featuring unique aspects of area; protected species – dragonflies, water vole, ​ bittern, willow tit to increase local awareness in the vital role the ward plays in species protection via its significant natural habitats. The mural’s role is to overcome the poor view ​ from the Green to the West of the site (which looks onto brick walls of a warehouse) and to give the space a stronger identity.

● Sensory garden to the north of the site, connected by a path to the main path on the Green (making use of a previous desire line). This will provide a relaxing space for health and ​ wellbeing, enhance biodiversity, be accessible for disabled and older people to walk through and will makes space more visually attractive, mitigate against noise and air pollution from the main roads (BE para 5.5).

● Low flowering hedges on the Western edge of the site, bordering the Events Area. These will provide an attractive solution to enclose the Green further, to ensure a safe area for young children to play. It will also further enhance plant diversity on site, enhancing Platt Bridge Centre’s Green Infrastructure.

● ACT Forum and AWCC will develop a programme of activities to take throughout the year on the Events Area, including community markets and outdoor theatre. The programme will have a key role in strengthening the local economy, by creating footfall to the area, and promoting community and local independent business, as highlighted in both the Platt Bridge Business Premises Report (Section 4) and Placed Consultation (p.5 and p.9). Project ED-g will support the development of a sustainable community-focussed events programme on the Green.

4.15 Stage 3 ● A secure young children’s play area, sited to the west of the site, will encourage families with young children to use the space.

● Meadow planting and a swale, positioned just east of the hillock will help mitigate against flooding on the site and surrounding area, which is in a flood risk zone. A swale is a low area of land which is moist or marshy, that will allow water to run off a site This masterplan aims to mitigate flood risk and manage surface water run off with this Sustainable Drainage System (SUD), which will provide additional benefits including nature conservation and recreation (BE para 3.7). This will also add ​ ​ the visual attractiveness of the site, providing a more relaxing space for local people’s health and wellbeing, also enhancing the variety of planting on site, as well as increasing biodiversity, along with the flowering hedges, sensory garden and bird boxes, a site with a range of different habitats for insects, birds and small mammals will be created. ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 26

● Green Gym equipment will be added to the site (this was also one of the key healthy options that local people identified for the area in the Placed consultations). This will provide warm up and training facilities and encourage further exercise and help ensure more people use the Green on a regular basis. (See Project EHW-f).

● More benches positioned in key areas, occupying the sun-path, such as the sensory garden will also ensure more people (including older and disabled people) can use the site more often, via the path leading through the grassed area. They will also ensure the Green becomes a meeting point and comfortable socialising space.

● New crossing points to the Green will be created, as crossing points from the North of the site are particularly unsafe. Project ED-h supports the need to address the three unsafe crossing points. NOTE: Policy Map 13 only shows one crossing point.

● Cycle network links will be strengthened in partnership with Wigan Council Highways Dept and key organisations such as Sustrans and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) (see Project EHW-g). Currently access to the site via cycle paths is not possible, cyclists need to use main roads. Enhancing cycling connectivity through the ward as a whole and passing through the Green will strengthen connectivity to and from other villages, as well as encourage physical activity for health and wellbeing.

4.16 ACT Forum and AWCC are exploring a potential Community Asset Transfer of the site to a community partnership, which would manage and develop the site as a community business. Project ED-i would support a community partnership or new business to manage the site.

4.17 The businesses which overlook the site on Liverpool Road to the North of the site, are all vacant, including King William Hotel. Project ED-j supports the exploration of a community business taking on premises overlooking the Green, in order to have a storage and activity space linked to the Greens’ events programme.

4.18 Addressing air pollution in Platt Bridge (and the other village) centres is a goal of this Plan. The Community Green redesign will begin to address the issue by encouraging cycling and walking to the Green from the other villages. As well as removing pollutants from the air through meadow planting, sensory garden, low flowering hedges. (GMSF Policy GM-S 6 Clear Air). The Community Green redesign aims to be resilient, adaptable, durable and resource efficient (all qualities associated with liveable sustainable places in GMSF Policy GM-E 1).

B5. Community facilities

5.1 The vitality and viability of a neighbourhood is weakened when its community ​ ​ facilities are closed. Closures of facilities including pubs and post offices has taken place across the ward in recent years, leaving some residents (older people without a car in Bamfurlong in particular) unable to easily access community and commercial facilities (PC p.15).

ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 27

5.2 This Plan defines community facilities as buildings which provide community organising, social, leisure, learning, entertainment opportunities and meeting spaces.

This Plan identifies buildings in all five villages as Community Facilities: Abram: a). Abram Community Centre b). The Bucks Head c). Dover Lock Inn d). Abram Scout Hut e). St John’s C of E Primary School f). Abram St Johns’ the Evangelist Church

Bamfurlong: a). Bryn Hall Pub b). Church of the Good Shepherd c). Bamfurlong Methodist Church d). Abram Bryn Gates Primary School

Bickershaw: a). Bickershaw Village Community Club b). Bickershaw C of E Infants and Junior School c). Bickershaw Parish Church

Platt Bridge: a). Holy Family CMS Club, Tram Street b). King William Hotel c). Kes’s Public House d). Platt Bridge Community Zone e). Platt Bridge Community Centre f). Newbridge Learning Community Sports Hall g). Holy Family Catholic Primary School h). St Mary’s Primary School i). Plat Bridge Community School j). St Nathaniel’s Parish Church

Spring View: a). Spring View Cricket and Recreation Club b). Spring View Community Sport Association c). Walmsley Arms Pub d). Spring View United Methodist Church

5.3 Some of community facilities are going through the process of becoming Assets of Community Value (Bickershaw Community Village Club, Dover Lock Inn, Kes’s Public House and King William Hotel). And some are also identified as Non-Designated Heritage Assets (see section B7).

5.4 This plan recognises that good quality community facilities ​ impact positively on health and wellbeing by for example overcoming social isolation in older people and being key to young people’s healthy development. As in GMSF Policy GM-E 1 ​ Sustainable Places, Abram Ward aims to have a range of good quality and well-managed community facilities that are socially inclusive and provide activities and services for all of members of the community, enabling equal and independent ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 28 participation, providing social contact and support and promoting a sense of community.

5.5 Good quality community facilities also support the nurturing of community pride and stronger sense of local identity and culture.

5.6 This Plan recognises that there is a positive relationship between community and ​ commercial activity, where commercial businesses can also be a community facility. Especially when they are community businesses, which are set up to trade for the benefit of the community. Community organisations ​AWCC and ACT Forum will explore creating a formal partnership to work with local small, independent businesses to work together on an inclusive regeneration strategy, focussing on building a stronger local economy in Abram Ward (see Project ED-c).

5.7 Given the high number of children and young people in the ward, the community has concerns about the lack of community facilities for them (PC p.8). Th​ ere are a limited number of facilities centred on sport, fitness, leisure, culture or entertainment that young people can access (BE Appendix 3.2 and para 11.2).

5.8 Young people are particularly underserved in an area where they have to travel out of the ward to go to secondary school. Across the whole ward, there is one Boys Brigade group, one Scouts group and one youth project (BE Appendix 3.2). The bulk of provision comprises 20 free to access playing fields, play areas and recreation grounds, some of which have play equipment.

5.9 Community facility closures have also resulted in a decrease in community facilities for adults. There remain a few social activities taking place at Abram Community Centre, Bickershaw Village Community Club, and Holy Family CMS Club. Also sports and fitness activities and clubs take place at around eight mainly private sports clubs, such as Spring View Cricket and Recreation Club. Policy ED7 supports developments which retain and add to quality local community facilities and services in the village commercial zones.

5.10 There are no dedicated premises for cultural or arts activities (such as theatre, visual arts or cinema) in the ward. Policy ED8 supports new D2 Assembly and leisure uses in village commercial centres. Project Ed-I supports the relocation of arts, heritage and creative organisations and businesses to the Plan Area.

5.11 The strong community spirit identified in the ​Platt Bridge Business Premises Report is being harnessed in Abram Ward. This Plan support community groups and organisations that seek ​ to take on managing community assets, via Community Asset Transfer, where these previously Local Authority managed sites ​are retained as sites for ongoing community facilities and remain accessible to the public. Project ED-k supports community organisations and community businesses to take on community assets, for the benefit of the local community.

5.12 AWCC and ACT Forum are partnering with Wigan Cosmos Football Club to secure the community asset transfer of St John’s Street Recreation Ground. ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 29

5.13 The commercial zones identified in policy ED1 will make the most of both the ward’s community facilities and local business sector, by increasing footfall and therefore local spend.

Continue Community Facilities Section with Community Pubs policy and justifications text (see additional notes) – Section B6.

New Section on ​Non-designated heritage assets policy and justifications (see additional notes) – Section B7. (see draft wording below)

Policy ED9 Retaining community pubs to be added

Policy ED10 Retaining non-designated heritage assets to be added

Housing to be added

6. Delivering the Plan

The Neighbourhood Plan’s vision and objectives will be achieved by the implementation of policies as planning proposals are brought forward and will be considered and determined by Wigan Council Local Planning Authority.

Delivery of the Plan will require private investment from landowners and developers. It is hoped that the Plan aligns with the delivery of future planned infrastructure proposals from Wigan Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

It will be the role of a successor organisation to the ACT Forum to oversee the progress of the Neighbourhood Plan in a range of ways: ● By monitoring and commenting on planning applications to the Local Planning Authority ● By leading on the delivery of Community Projects outlined in this plan ● By seeking funding in collaboration with partners including Wigan Council to deliver the projects ● To review progress and report to the community

Community Project Delivery Framework The ACT Plan’s Community Projects integrate with policy goals to support the delivery of the Plan’s vision and objectives.

Table 4 sets out the Community Project, who will lead and which partners maybe involved, what funding may be available and a general schedule of Short, Medium to Long Term. With short term being in the next 1-2 years, Medium 3 – 5 years and Long-term 6 years and beyond. A more detailed version of the Community Plan is available at xxxx.

Table 4 Delivery Plan for Community Projects

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Project Short, medium, Lead and potential Potential long term partners Funding Environment, Health and Wellbeing EHW-a Explore developing new safer Medium ACT Forum, AWCC, TfGM, cycle routes and pedestrian paths Wigan Council, GMCA around the ward, to make GMCA, TfGM stronger links to Abram Circular Walks EHW-b Explore enhancing public Medium ACT Forum, AWCC, TfGM, transport, to make more frequent Wigan Council, GMCA routes to key green spaces, GMCA, TfGM Private bus community facilities, village companies, centres charitable transport services EHW-c Open up Abram Circular Walks, to Short Lancashire Wildlife Carbon ensure they’re safe, accessible, Trust, ACT Forum, Landscape signposted and downloadable local landowners Project maps produced. NOTE: To be completed

There are a lot of Community Projects in the plan. You will need to make the Delivery Plan SMART, and identify which projects are priorities etc.

Appendix 1 Glossary

ACT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 31