Wigan Local Development Framework Core Strategy

Consultation Report Preferred Options Interim draft

Environmental Services Department

January 2010

Contents

Section Title Page

1 Introduction 3 2 Who we engaged with 4 • Equality Impact Assessment 4 • Diversity Monitoring 5 3 How engagement was carried out 7 4 Comment analysis 10 5 Future consultation 11

Appendix 1 List of key stakeholders 13

Appendix 2 Community and stakeholder engagement 16 index Appendix 3 Equality Impact Assessment 28

Appendix 4 Diversity monitoring survey and letter 42

Appendix 5 Schedule of comments made to Preferred 45 Options document Appendix 6 Schedule of comments made to Topic 134 Papers Appendix 7 Summary table of key issues raised at 138 community and stakeholder meetings

2 1. Introduction

1.1. The Core Strategy is the key strategic document in our Local Development Framework. It will set out our proposed spatial planning framework for the period 2010-2026 and replace the Wigan Replacement Unitary Development Plan (April 2006) that was prepared under the previous planning system.

1.2. We are committed to engaging with local communities and interested parties to help shape and develop the Core Strategy. This needs to be a continuous process throughout the preparation period, so that issues are considered and resolved as the preparation process progresses. Key engagement stages within this process can be identified as follows:

1. Pre-production - an informal gathering of initial ideas and commencement of call for sites, undertaken in Spring 2007; 2. Issues and Options – setting out of possible options that we considered, undertaken in Spring/Summer 2008; 3. Preferred Options – firming up of options having weighed up the alternatives, undertaken in Summer 2009; 4. Publication – preparing the Core Strategy that we want to adopt and the final chance to make representations on the Core Strategy, scheduled for autumn 2010 – the next stage; 5. Submission of the Core Strategy to the Secretary of State and subsequent consideration at ‘examination in public’ by an independent inspector; 6. Adoption – the Core Strategy that we adopt, scheduled for autumn 2011

1.3. The previous Consultation Report (June 2009) set out the consultation activities carried out up to and including the issues and options stage, the comments received and our response to those comments. This document reports consultation activities carried out during the preferred options stage. It explains who has been engaged and how and what their comments were. Our response to these comments will appear in the next version of this report at the publication stage.

1.4. Seven Appendices support this report:

1. List of key stakeholders - including those for each topic area 2. Engagement Index - diary of all consultation events undertaken throughout the preferred options 3. Equality Impact Assessment – procedures and policies 4. Diversity monitoring - survey and letter 5. Schedule of Comments - summaries of all the individual comments made to the Preferred Options document 6. Topic Papers Schedule of Comments - summaries of individual comments made to topic papers 7. Meetings Schedule of Comments - summary of the main issues raised at key stakeholder and community meetings.

3 2. Who we engaged with

2.1. Engagement is carried out in accordance with our Statement of Community Involvement, adopted in July 2006. It sets out our proposals for public participation in the plan making process including who we will involve, the techniques and methods to be used, when people can expect to be invited to be involved and how we will deal with the comments made.

2.2. Our Statement of Community Involvement recognises that different sectors of our community have different values and needs and this influences the way in which we involve different groups and individuals. In broad terms seven groups are identified, including:

• Statutory consultees – bodies we are legally required to consult including Parish Councils in and adjacent to the borough, Government Office for the North West, other appropriate Government Departments. • Elected representatives – MPs, MEPs and local councillors. • The general public – including people living in, working and visiting the borough. • Businesses – located or with interests in the borough. • Landowners, developers and agents – who have a direct interest in the future development of the borough. • Wigan Borough Partnership – our Local Strategic Partnership that comprises representatives of the public, private, voluntary and community sectors. • Other interest groups and organisations – not covered under the other headings, including officers and stakeholders.

2.3. A list of our key stakeholders may be found in Appendix 1. At 1 December 2009 our online, interactive consultation database contained over 2200 individual consultees.

2.4. Our Statement of Community Involvement also recognises that some sectors of the community sometimes find it hard to be included in the planning process and particular efforts were made at the issues and options stage to involve groups such as disabled people, black and minority ethnic groups and young people. However since the Statement of Community Involvement was produced before the 2007 Equality Standard for Local Government it has been supplemented by an Equality Impact Assessment undertaken on 17 September 2008 to reaffirm and refresh the relevance and suitability of the process behind the document in terms of the more recent changes.

Equality Impact Assessment - process 2.5. This Equality Impact Assessment at the issues and options stage identified a number of points for action, most notably to continue to research the best methods of consulting with hard to reach groups, monitoring feedback to identify any trends, based either on geography or the social identity model and use this to influence our decision making.

2.6. These action points were brought forward to the preferred options consultation and resulted in improved consultation with young people, continued efforts to contact black minority and ethnic groups and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups at the preferred options stage. Details of the activities undertaken appear in the Engagement Index in Appendix 2. Diversity monitoring was also introduced and this is discussed below.

4

2.7. There were also a number of references to the quality of the summary leaflet produced at the issues and options stage, including the lack of visual material and plain English and problems with distribution. These factors were addressed in the Borough Life supplement that was delivered to every household as well as being available in libraries, at meetings and online. Very few comments were received at the preferred options stage regarding the suitability of this leaflet in terms of the language used, its appearance or distribution although there was debate at some of the meetings. The result of the diversity monitoring is discussed below and provides evidence of the consultation groups we are succeeding in reaching and where further work may be necessary.

Equality Impact Assessment - policies 2.8. The Equality Impact Assessment work was also taken forward as part of the wider Sustainability Appraisal process to include assessments of the policies and key strategic sites within the Core Strategy preferred options document itself on each of the social identity groups. A copy of this assessment is attached as Appendix 3, including a list of the people who were involved.

2.9. It concluded that the Core Strategy policies have mainly positive or neutral impacts across the full range of social identity groups. In particular those living in deprived areas, those with a low income, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities would benefit from enhanced access to jobs, leisure, education and health facilities. It also confirms that the planning impacts on certain social identity groups, especially sexuality, are minimal.

2.10. The Core Strategy does contain specific policies that promote equality for certain social groups, such as improved facilities for youths, design measures to take account of disability and community facilities that embrace the diversity of our communities.

2.11. Despite the broadly positive impacts, there are some potential issues that may need to be explored further or monitored to ensure that certain social groups are not affected adversely. For example, there may be safety concerns associated with new open space that affect women and other social groups more acutely. Another general concern is that development could exacerbate existing inequalities if it is not implemented in an inclusive way. These factors will be monitored as the Core Strategy and Sustainability Appraisal preparation processes progress.

Diversity monitoring 2.12. A diversity monitoring procedure has been established to check who was actually responding to consultation exercises and whether they represented a typical cross section of the borough’s population. An email giving a link to an electronic survey http://wigan-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/pp/sandq/divmon or letter including a form to complete and return in a FREEPOST envelope were sent to all private individuals who submitted comments to the preferred options consultation. A copy of the form and letter is attached at Appendix 4.

2.13. It was stressed that the information gathered was for statistical analysis only and all forms were returned anonymously. It was not obligatory to provide answers to all the questions answered. The results therefore provide a broad picture of the

5 community responding to the preferred options consultation event rather than an exact count.

2.14. In total just over 1500 requests for diversity information were sent out. 354 forms (approximately 24%) had been returned by the closing date on 7 December 2009. The following table gives a summary of the results:

Percentage of people who responded to each question Gender Male 46.4 Female 53.6 Age profile Under 20 1.7 20-29 5.1 30-39 8.8 40-49 11.6 50-59 17.3 60-69 26.1 70-79 23.5 80+ 5.9 Disability Activities limited a little 13.7 Activities limited a lot 19.5 Activities not limited 66.8 Ethnic group White English/Welsh/Scottish/ Northern Irish/British 100.0 Sexuality Hetrosexual 97.5 Gay/Lesbian 1.5 Bisexual 1.1 Religion or belief Buddhist 0.3 Christian (All Christian denominations) 87.8 None 9.8 Prefer not to say 2.1 Location in borough North West 86.8 South West 5.2 East 4.6 Centre 0.9 Outside borough 2.5 Activities undertaken in Wigan Leisure 61.9 Live 82.9 Shop 83.2 Study 4.4 Work 29.5 Other 9.1 Qualifications

6 Some qualifications 65.5 No qualifications 34.4 Present activities Employed full time 24.5 Employed Part time 9.3 Self employed 6.0 Gov. Training Scheme 0.0 Full Time education 2.4 Unemployed – available for work 0.6 Permanently sick 7.8 Retired 39.7 Looking after home/family 4.2 Other 5.7 Figures may not add up to 100% in each category due to rounding or the fact that more than one category could be chosen for the activity question.

2.15. An analysis of the results shows that females show a slightly higher tendency to respond to consultation requests than males. As might be expected those over 60 are more likely to respond and those under 40 least likely and this has an influence on the rest of the results. For example 33.2% of respondents said their day-to-day activities were limited a little or a lot because of a health problem or disability which has lasted or is expected to last for more than 12 months. This might be considered consistent with the age profile of the respondents. All respondents belonged to a white ethnic group and the majority were heterosexual (although 22.3% chose not to answer this question) and of the Christian religion.

2.16. In terms of people who gave their postcode, by far the largest number came from the north west of the borough, most notably Pemberton. This was in response to a proposal for a key site discussed in paragraph 3.9 below. A low percentage of responses were correspondingly received from other areas of the borough with the central core attracting the lowest despite this being the area where many of the proposals are focussed. The majority of respondents live and shop in the borough. A number indicated under the ‘other’ category that they undertook voluntary work and consideration needs to be given to adding this as an additional category.

2.17. 65.5% of people responding to the question on educational qualifications reported that they had some form of qualification (11.7% being educated to degree level and beyond). However 34.4% have no formal qualifications at all which again is likely to be a reflection of the age profile of the respondents. 39.7% were retired, while 39.8% were employed either full- or part-time or self-employed.

3. How engagement was carried out

3.1. Since October 2006 to the present we have carried out a rolling programme of engagement using many different techniques in order to share information and gather ideas from as many of our residents and interested parties as possible. A summary of the broad range of activities undertaken is given below. The activities are all recorded in the Statement of Community Involvement as being of relevance at the Issues and Options and Preferred Options stage. It underplayed the

7 importance of officer and stakeholder meetings in contributing to the overall picture and these have been added. Activities include:

• Local newspaper and radio • Press Releases • Borough Life Magazine • Leaflets and newsletter • Information points and exhibitions • Consultation documents • Letters and emails • Web page • Comments form • Wigan Borough Partnership presentations • Local and user group forum workshops • Workshops, seminars, focus groups, presentations • Citizens Panel survey • Community engagement facilitators • Officer group meetings (internal) • Stakeholder meetings (external) • Bespoke activities

Pre-production stage 3.2. The pre-production stage aimed to raise awareness at the beginning of the Core Strategy preparation process and provide an early opportunity for people to shape its scope. All these activities took place before October 2006, the official start of Core Strategy preparation.

3.3. We invited expressions of interest from members of the public, businesses and other interested parties to be involved in the Local Development Framework preparation process and promoted this in the following ways:

• Sending freepost cards in May/June 2005 ; • Including an article in the June 2005 including a tear-off form inviting participation; • Using established planning interest groups such as the Building Control / Development Control Forum, Housing Partnership and Access Committee (for people with disabilities) and their newsletters and minutes to publish invitations to become involved in September 2006

3.4. Encouraging early involvement has the advantage of giving our communities and stakeholders the opportunity to shape the emerging plan and its options and become an integral part of the plan making process.

Issues and Options stage 3.5. The Issues and Options consultation took place between 6 February and 26 March 2008. This period saw an intensive programme of activities focussed around the Local Strategic Partnership, Townships, Elected Members, Community Network, Adjacent Local Authorities and Statutory Consultees.

3.6. Full details of all engagement activities carried out at the Issues and Options stage are contained in the previous Consultation Report (June 2009). At this stage we

8 received 741 individual comments from 159 individuals. Events of particular significance at that stage included:

• Issues survey seeking opinions from contacts on engagement database on range of spatial planning issues, October 2006; • Scoping issues, November 2006; • Site suggestion exercise commenced March 2007 and followed up in January 2008; • Sustainability Appraisal scoping exercise commenced June 2007; • Key stakeholder consultation on topic papers November 2007; • Issues and Options consultation 6 February – 26 March 2008

Preferred Options stage 3.7. The Preferred Options consultation took place between 9 June and 4 August 2009. Activities leading up to September 2009 and including this period are recorded in the Engagement Index in Appendix 2. This is designed to relate all the events and activities undertaken to the approach set out in our Statement of Community Involvement.

3.8. As can be seen from the Index we again made particular efforts to ensure as broad a range of individuals and groups could engage with the emerging plan. Events of particular significance included:

• Members seminar • Distribution of Borough Life Magazine supplement ‘Your borough – help shape the future of Wigan’ to every household • Letters and emails sent to consultees on database • Exhibition in Civic Buildings foyer • Deposit of documents in libraries and town halls • Revised Core Strategy web pages and link provided to the Core Strategy site from the LINC Blog for young people • Online discussion forum set up on ENCOMPASS (community network) website • Various meetings with community groups, township forums, stakeholders and landowners • Video version of presentation put on web site

3.9. We received 2095 comments during the preferred options stage from 1534 consultees. There were responses to nearly all of the 49 questions asked throughout the preferred options report as well as to a small number of other areas in the report. Of these 1419 (mostly objections) were in response to question 10 relating to spatial policy principles at The Bell, Lamberhead Green. All of the representations received may be viewed on our website at http://wigan- consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal and a summary of all the comments made is attached at Appendix 5.

3.10. We also received 22 observations relating to some of the thirteen Topic Papers that we have produced. These may also be viewed at http://wigan- consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal and a summary of these comments is attached at Appendix 6.

9 3.11. In addition a number of issues relating to the topic areas and key sites were raised at various community meetings during the main preferred options consultation period between 9 June and 4 August 2009. These have been summarised and are attached at Appendix 7.

4. Comment analysis

4.1 Comments received can be broken down into various categories for analysis and this is done as follows:

• those relating generally to various main chapters of the Preferred Options document; • responses to the questions asked at the end of certain sub-sections and chapters • responses to Topic Papers • other general observations that were made at meetings

An overall summary of all these comments is given in Appendices 5, 6 and 7 as noted above. The main findings are set out below.

4.2 The overall focus on the east-west core of the borough was broadly welcomed, although some developers want to see sites allocated in Standish, Shevington, Golborne and Lowton.

4.3 Just over two-thirds of the representations received were against the proposed key strategic site at The Bell, Lamberhead Green. The main reasons for the objections were the loss of Green Belt; the number of vacant industrial / employment premises elsewhere in the borough; the impact on wildlife, recreation, farming, views and property values; increased traffic, congestion, noise and pollution; the loss of general ‘good feeling’ about the place; and the unsuitability of the proposals alongside the new eco-school.

4.4 There was also a campaign against the two proposed key strategic sites in Ashton and the proposed road between Bolton Road and Wigan Road, on a number of grounds including traffic, loss of open land and the number of existing vacant employment premises. There was also opposition to proposed location of a replacement high school on the Stubshaw Cross site.

4.5 There have also been a significant number of objections to the ‘East of Atherton’ site on a number of grounds including traffic congestion, road safety, noise, loss of open land, impact on quality of life, lack of need for housing and the presence of better sites in Atherton for development. We have also received a petition against the proposals.

4.6 There were also a small number of objections to the other four proposed key strategic sites based mainly around loss of wildlife and habitats, flooding and lack of infrastructure.

4.7 A modest number of representations were received on most of the core (topic- based) policy principles proposed, most notably those on economy and employment, housing and accessibility. A smaller number were received relating to some of the development management policy principles, particularly those related

10 to employment land and planning obligations and the community infrastructure levy. While there is some opposition most are supportive or constructive in suggesting improvements that should be made.

4.8 Very few comments were received on the Topic Papers and related to corrections to facts given, minor omissions and suggestions for inclusion and comments related to congestion and infrastructure provision.

4.9 Comments from meetings generally echoed those made to the preferred options document, seeking clarity over locally important issues and the process of engagement. General issues such as housing numbers, vacant employment related building and transport infrastructure also attracted comment at meetings.

4.10 In conjunction with our key stakeholders we are also working on our infrastructure delivery plan. This is a key piece of work that will demonstrate whether we can or cannot deliver the core strategy as currently proposed. This will also help provide answers to many of the points raised during the consultation period.

4.11 Overall the consultations on the Council’s Preferred Options for its Local Development Framework Core Strategy were very successful with a good range of responses that have given rise to a large number of challenges for the way forward. All the representations received will be fully considered and responded to in the next version of this document prior to the next full round of community and stakeholder involvement programmed for September – October 2010.

5. Future Consultation

5.1 We are aware that there is always scope to improve consultation exercises in terms of who we are reaching and the methods used. This means that some aspects of consultation are not as effective as they might be and we aim to learn from past experiences and continually refine and improve our methods and approach. This is one advantage of a continuous involvement approach.

5.2 Aspects we need to be aware of were identified in the initial Equality Impact Assessment of the Statement of Community Involvement and remain relevant. They include:

• Regularly review our methods of communication; • Continue to research best practice for dealing with ‘hard to reach’ groups including using Workers’ Forums where appropriate; • Continue to use a broad range of consultation methods; • Obtain feedback to ensure we can monitor any trends based either on geography or the social identity model; • Put emphasis on visual appeal of documents; • Ensure the outcomes of consultation are communicated.

The following point was identified during the Equality Impact Assessment of the policies:

• Continue to monitor the effects of policies and key strategic sites on social identity groups to ensure certain groups are not affected adversely.

11

Diversity monitoring confirmed the following groups require targeted consultation activities to ensure the full diversity of Wigan’s population is represented:

• Youth and younger people, especially males. • Non white ethnic groups • Non Christian faith groups • Those with few formal educational qualifications • Those in the core of the borough from where the fewest responses were received

5.3 It is apparent that our Statement of Community Involvement itself requires revision to take into account recent changes in planning regulations. We will undertake to do this as soon as practicable.

5.4 Diversity Impact monitoring, now established, will be undertaken as a matter of course in future consultation exercises to ensure respondents represent an appropriate cross section of Wigan’s population in terms of social identity group or geographical location. Results from that exercise suggest we are successfully engaging with employed and retired people of white British origin, but need to do more work to ensure the groups listed above participate more actively.

12 Appendix 1

Key Stakeholders for each topic area

General – applicable to all topic areas • The residents of the borough • Neighbouring Local Authorities – Bolton, Chorley, St Helens, Warrington, Salford, West Lancashire, Lancashire County Council also including Central Lancashire City Region • Shevington and Haigh Parish Councils and neighbouring Parish Councils • Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) • 4NW • Government Office for the North West (GONW) • North West Development Agency (NWDA) • Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) • Greater Manchester Planning Officers’ Group (POG) • Major developers and landowners • Local Strategic Partnership (Board and Management Group) • Voluntary sector organisations • Community and voluntary groups including Township Forums, Community Networks and Neighbourhood PACTS (Partners and Communities Together)

Health and recreation • Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust • Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust (PCT) • Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) • British Waterways • Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust • Sport England

Community safety and neighbourhood quality • Greater Manchester Police, Architectural Liaison Service • Local Crime Reduction Advice Officers • Community and voluntary groups (including Townships and Community Networks) • Neighbourhood Teams (PACT process) • Wigan Borough Partnership - Building Stronger Communities Partnership • National Offender Management Service (NOMS)

Community development and involvement • Community and voluntary groups (including Townships and Community Networks) • Neighbourhood Teams (PACT process) • Wigan Borough Partnership: o Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Partnership o Building Stronger Communities Partnership o Children, Young People and Families Partnership o Health and Wellbeing Partnership • Council for Voluntary Services (CVS)

13 • Age Concern • Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan

Education and learning • Children and Young People’s Services • Wigan and Leigh College • Winstanley College • St John Rigby College • Voluntary Sector Organisations

Economy and employment • The Northwest Development Agency • Homes and Communities Agency • Commission for the New Economy • MIDAS • Wigan Regeneration Agency (ERO) • The Learning and Skills Council • Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce • Job Centre Plus • Education and training providers • Peel Investments

Housing • Wigan and Leigh Housing • Home Builders Federation • Registered Social Landlords • Homes and Communities Agency • The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) • English Partnerships

Retail and centres • Retailers and Shopping Centres

Accessibility • Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority/Executive • Greater Manchester Transportation Unit • Greater Manchester Joint Transport Team • Highways Agency • Network Rail • Northern Rail • Merseytravel

Built environments and landscapes • Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) • English Heritage • Home Builders Federation • North West Development Agency • Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) • Places Matter

14 Wildlife habitats and species • Environment Agency • Natural England • Greater Manchester Ecology Unit • Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust • Lancashire Wildlife Trust • Red Rose Forest • Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan • Greater Manchester Biodiversity Project • Wigan Biodiversity Partnership • Woodland Trust

Energy • United Utilities • Electricity North West • British Gas • UK Coal • Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) • North West Development Agency • Wigan Council Facilities Management Section

Waste • Greater Manchester Geological Unit • Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority

Natural resources and pollution • Greater Manchester Geological Unit • Environment Agency • United Utilities • Natural England • Health and Safety Executive • Greater Manchester Public Protection Partnership

15 Appendix 2

Community and stakeholder engagement index –Stage 3 Preferred Options This index links to Tables 5.1 and 5.2 of the Statement of Community Involvement and records what the method of involvement against the groups who have been involved and how they have been involved. See end of appendix for codes used.

Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) 7 May 2009 LDF liaison meeting with Ian Gill and E 19. Meeting to discuss LDF progress, particularly the Opportunities for West Lancashire District Matthew Stakeholder Core Strategy and the evidence base, and cross cross boundary Council Dugdale – W. meeting boundary issues. delivery of Lancs DC targets. 27 May 2009 Members Seminar 16 Councillors B 13. Seminar Advance notice for Ward Members of Preferred Awareness Options for consultation. ‘Your borough’ summary raising among leaflet and Preferred Options document in pigeon members and holes as soon as available. All Members to be discussion. emailed too. 3 June 2009 Meeting with Taylor Mark Swann, C 19. Discussed their position as landowner of part of key Opportunity for Wimpey Strategic Land Stakeholder strategic site at The Bell, Lamberhead Green. input publicised. Director and Meeting Indicated support of key site allocation. Andrew Thorley, Strategic Land Manager 3 June 2009 Article in ‘One-for-All’ staff All staff in G 5. Staff Available on the internal Council intranet on the basis Should have briefing for Environmental Environmental newsletter that all staff work in the borough and many live here been in Council- Services Services too. wide brief Department 4 June 2009 Biodiversity Partnership Environment A, D, F 19. Flagged up consultation on Preferred Options and Special meeting Agency and Stakeholder offer of presentation to a special meeting. Follow-up arranged for 2 local interest Meeting email from Roz Park offering dates. July groups in partnership 5 June 2009 Various letters to Heads of D, E, F 8. Letter Spreadsheet produced of people consulted and Launch of consultees on database service, 7. Consultation letters sent, with copies of Preferred Options consultations. neighbouring documents document, to key stakeholders in accordance with Opportunities for & AGMA SCI. input publicised. districts, Councillors, residents and other 16 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) stakeholders 5 June 2009 Deposit of documents with All Members B 7. Consultation Including covering letter, Preferred Options document Launch of letter in all Councillor of the Council documents and ‘Your borough’ summary leaflet Issues and ‘pigeon-holes’ at Town Hall Options consultations. 5 June 2009 Email Consultees All 8. email Email sent to all people with an email address on our Forwarded by with email Limehouse database as at 5 June 2009. Forwarded ‘Encompass’ to by ‘Encompass’ to the ‘ASCEND’ and the Heritage ‘ASCEND’ and Network mailing lists. Heritage Network 5 June 2009 ‘Your borough: Help shape 137,000 All 5. Leaflet Distributed to all households in the borough receiving Launch of – mid June the future of Wigan’ households Borough Life. Summarises Preferred Options, consultations. summary leaflet in Borough benefits of key strategic sites and invites people to Opportunities for Life magazine have their say. input publicised. 8 June 2009 Press Release Press and All 3. Press Press release summarising briefly the contents of Launch of public Release document and inviting public involvement. consultations. Opportunities for input publicised 8 June 2009 Meeting with developers Charles C 19. Meeting re sites at Gibfield, Atherton and their desire Discussion Billson of Stakeholder to take a site out of the Green Belt for development. regarding Longport Meeting development Group and opportunities. Barry Taylor, consultant 9 June 2009 Exhibition Visitors to All 6. Information The 8 pages ‘Your borough’ summary leaflet (see Information on Civic points and above) at approx A2 size displayed on exhibition options. Buildings exhibitions boards in the reception area of Civic Buildings. Opportunities for input. 9 June – 4 Deposit of documents in all 21 locations All 6. Information The Preferred Options document, ‘Your borough’ Launch of August 2009 17 borough libraries, plus accessible to point summary leaflet, 13 Topic Papers, Sustainability consultations. Wigan & Leigh Town Halls, general public 7. Consultation Appraisal, Sustainability Appraisal non technical Opportunities for Civic Buildings and documents summary, Consultation Report available for input publicised. Gateway House, Wigan inspection at all 21 locations, with a contact telephone number to request the replacement of any ‘missing’ documents. 9 June – 4 Revised web pages Web users All 9. Web page Preferred Options document and 13 Topic Papers Launch of August 2009 published as pdf and html versions with opportunities consultations. to comment directly on ‘u-engage’ (html) and by Opportunities for email, and download the comments form. Leaflet input publicised. and Interim Sustainability Appraisal Report also 17 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) published www.wigan.gov.uk/ldfcorestrategy 9 June 2009 Strategic Housing Land Commercial C. 8. email Email to 140 commercial consultees – additional Launch of Availability Assessment consultees paragraph added to standard CSPO consultation consultations. (SHLAA) consultation with email email notification to also inform of the Strategic Opportunities for email and leaflets Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) input publicised. consultation. Leaflets in Civic Buildings reception. 9 June – 4 Revised web pages - Web users All 9. Web page Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment Launch of August 2009 Strategic Housing Land (SHLAA) web-pages updated for consultation with consultations. Availability Assessment links to initial assessment documents (ARUP report, Opportunities for (SHLAA) schedule of sites and site suggestion form) input publicised. http://www.wigan.gov.uk/Services/Planning/Policies/ DevelopmentFramework/WiganStrategicHousingLan dAvailabilityAssessment.htm 9 June 2009 Leigh Township Forum, Township A, B 11. Comments raised included the impact of the Discussion with Higher Folds Community Forum Partnership recession on the delivery of the strategy; road township forum Centre members 12. Local capacity and the need to phase development; and re. spatial Forum the delivery of affordable / social housing. strategy and key sites. 10 June 2009 Meeting on Key Strategic Robert C 19. Discussed proposed development at the key Representation Site; East of Atherton Rawlinson of Stakeholder strategic site to the East of Atherton. of support Acland Meeting expected. Bracewell acting for Lord Lilford 12 June 2009 Wigan Borough Wigan A, B, F, 18 and 19. Presentation and brief discussion at monthly meeting Ann Leigh was Partnership Local Strategic Borough G Stakeholder of executive officers within Wigan Borough sent a copy of Management Group, Partnership Meeting Partnership. Ann Reid of NHS Ashton, Leigh & the presentation Wigan Investment Centre lead officers Wigan suggested a Podcast which the meeting to circulate considered a good idea. Might be shown at health around her centres and job centres. Ashley Crumbley of WALH management welcomed the focus on the inner areas and said he team. A would raise with his elected tenant board members to vodcast was see if they would welcome an item at one of their prepared for the meetings. internet. 12 June 2009 Meeting with adjacent Planning and E 19. Informal, round table discussion on emerging policy Salford to Local Authorities with environmental Stakeholder for the ‘Mosslands’. Related matters include provide further regards to emerging policy Officers from Meeting Biodiversity, Minerals and Green Infrastructure. evidence in for the ‘Mosslands’. Salford, designating part Warrington of mosses for and Wigan biodiversity. 18 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) 15 June 2009 Presentation on CD for Ann Reid, A 20. CD of Requested for circulation. Key stakeholder NHS Ashton, Leigh & Consultant in presentation meeting with Wigan management team Public Health PCT on 23 July. 16 June 2009 Article in Wigan Observer General public A. 2. Local Press article based upon content of ‘Your borough’ Opportunities for in Wigan newspaper summary leaflet including ‘how to get involved’. input publicised. 16 June 2009 Tyldesley Township Township A, B 11. East of Atherton site criticised. Transport concerns Opportunities for Forum, Dam House, Astley Forum Partnership and role of Leigh Guided Busway also discussed. input publicised. members 12. Local Forum 18 June 2009 Standish/Aspull/Shevington Township A, B 8. email Meeting cancelled by township forum at short notice. Opportunities for Township Forum Forum Email containing links to ‘Your borough’ summary input publicised. members leaflet and our web page sent by township co- ordinator to Councillor Ready for circulation. 18 June 2009 Wigan South Township Township A, B 11. The comments at this meeting were largely based Opportunities for Forum, Clifton St Forum Partnership around The Bell key strategic site. input publicised. Community Centre members 12. Local Forum 19 June 2009 Meeting with resident of Cllrs Clayton A, B 19 Meeting that was understood to be about explaining Community Spring Road & P Prescott Stakeholder proposals at the Bell and how to find out more and representations & 3 local meeting get involved in the process. residents 19 June 2009 Ashton Town Centre Businesses A 6. Information Consultation alongside Ashton Town Centre Opportunities for consultation, on bus at and residents point and Masterplan. Issues raised regarded how the input publicised. Gerard Centre car park in Ashton exhibition Preferred Options would impact on traffic congestion in and to/from the town centre and also impact on amenity, particularly the site allocations at Landgate and Stubshaw Cross. 22 June 2009 Ashton and Bryn Township Township A, B 11. The discussion following the presentation was Opportunities for Forum, Byrchall High Forum Partnership emotive and the proposals for Ashton were input publicised School members 12. Local contentious; the majority of comments raised were in Forum objection to the preferred options for Ashton, however there was some support for the proposals. 22 June – 4 LINC blog Young people A 9. Web forum Link provided to the Core Strategy site from the LINC Opportunities for August 2009 Blog for young people ‘Wigan Council want your input publicised. views’. 22 June – 4 Online discussion forum on Encompass A 9. Web forum Help shape the future of Wigan Borough discussion Opportunity for August 2009 ENCOMPASS (community members / forum set up. ongoing network) website website users dialogue - little used 19 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) 23 June 2009 Article in Wigan Observer General public A 2. Local ‘Ding-dong at the bell’ Opposition in Wigan newspaper noted. 23 June 2009 Posted 20 ‘Your borough’ Residents’ A. 4. Leaflet Residents association had requested details of what Community summary leaflet and copies Association was proposed. As well as the summary leaflet they representations of policy to residents were sent copies of the spatial policy principles SP11 association in Ashton for Ashton-in-Makerfield. 23 June 2009 Sent ‘Your borough’ Young people A 4. Leaflet Distributed to student representatives from Publicising summary leaflet to approximately 16 high schools. opportunities for Communik8 meeting involvement. 24 June 2009 Health and Recreation Key WLCT A, B 19. Must communicate ideas and outcomes regularly. Further meeting 10.00am Stakeholder Meeting, PCT Stakeholder The delivery of infrastructure, the cross cutting nature and liaison Wigan Town Hall LTP team Meeting of health issues and advice on monitoring all need required. more input. 24 June 2009 Orrell, Billinge and Township A, B 11. Concerns expressed over infrastructure, consultation Forum members Winstanley Township Forum Partnership process generally, housing, The Bell and listed to feedback in Forum, The Grange members 12. Local buildings. writing with any Community Complex Forum comments. 24 June 2009 Meeting with agents for Represent- C 19. Discussed development of the Bell, how it will be Will submit landowners of the Bell key atives of Stakeholder progressed and likelihood of success/ other funding representations strategic site. Smiths Gore meeting sources for highway infrastructure. in support and acting on encourage other behalf of two landowners to landowners. do likewise. 24 June 2009 Summary leaflet circulated Young people A 4. leaflet - Opportunities for to Communik8 - Schools’ input publicised Council representatives meeting 24 June 2009 Economy and Employment Keith Molloy, C, G 19. General support for our proposals including The Bell. Suggestions for Key Stakeholder Meeting Kevin Walsh Stakeholder The Grand Arcade is a good example of where we amendments to (both ERO), meeting have linked jobs in the area to local people. Policy text to be Paul Foster CP4 needs emphasis on skills and people as well as considered. (GM infrastructure and balance between inward Chamber) investment and existing business. 25 June 2009 Wigan North Township Township A, B 11. Gave a presentation on our preferred options. A Forum members Forum, Town Hall Forum Partnership short discussion followed with only one question to feedback in Committee Room B members 12. Local raised on the level of consultation responses. writing with any Forum comments. 29 June 2009 Meeting with agents for Represent- C 19. Discussed development of East of Atherton, how it Will submit landowners of East of atives of Stakeholder will be progressed. Also discussed other key sites. representations Atherton key strategic site. Acland meeting Had also spoken to the other landowner at East of in support of the 20 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) Bracewell Atherton and spoke with their consent. proposal. acting for Lilford Estates. 29 June 2009 Transport Key Highways B, D, G 19. Options need a change of emphasis with proposals Further meeting Stakeholders Meeting Agency, Stakeholder set out as a package with the emphasis placed on with HA and key GMPTE, meeting public transport. We are being upfront about the stakeholders GMJTT, amount of transport infrastructure we need in order to when be able to deliver our key sites. Modelling work is infrastructure currently incomplete and transport strategy will strategy ready. include details of funding sources. 29 June 2009 Hindley and Abram Township A, B 11. The discussion following the presentation was Opportunities for Township Forum, Platt Forum Partnership emotive. The majority of comments raised were in input publicised. Bridge Community School members 12. Local objection to house building. There was some support Forum for proposals to improve infrastructure and provide homes for future generations. 1 July 2009 Briefing Note to Access Access A 12. Local Briefing note read out at the meeting to remind Opportunities for Committee Committee Forum people to have their say. input publicised. members 1 July 2009 Article for Housing Members of A,B,C, 5. Newsletter Article submitted. Further Partnership Newsletter Housing D,F,G awareness of Partnership the consultation. 1 July 2009 Article in ‘One-for-All’ staff All council F, A 5. Electronic See July ’09 edition of ‘One-for-All’ on internal Opportunities for briefing staff newsletter Council intranet, on the basis that staff work in the input publicised. borough and many live here also. 2 July 2009 Economy, Environment, Wigan A, B, F, 11. Wigan The presentation was given. A discussion followed, Verbal report Culture & Housing (EECH) Borough G Borough primarily concerned with delivery. The need to back to next Delivery Partnership EECH Partnership, engage with businesses was also acknowledged. meeting Board, Gateway House Partnership 19 Room 1 board Stakeholder members meeting 2 July 2009- Wildlife Habitats and Biodiversity A, C, D, 19. Stakeholders generally supported the topic paper Partnership Species Key Stakeholder Partnership G Stakeholder and the proposed policy principles. Main issues members to Meeting members meeting raised involved changes to levels of surface water feedback in run off and impact on habitats and species and writing with any included detail on mitigation measures and additional enforcement of planning conditions. comments 6 July 2009 Wigan Borough Wigan A, B, F 11. Wigan Coach tour to ‘South of Hindley’ and The Bell Further Partnership Board, Borough Borough handouts for each from UDP Proposals Map and awareness of Commonwealth Suite, Partnership partnership, ‘Your borough’ summary leaflet, followed by the consultation. 21 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) Robin Park Arena Leaders 13. Workshop presentation and workshop sessions with 3 groups focusing on the environment, economy and social objectives. Members of Youth Parliament also in attendance. 6 July 2009 Webpage changes and Web users A, B, C, 9. Webpage Webpage change to include link to officers Email sent out addition of ‘vodcast’ of D, E ‘vodcast’ presentation to meetings made into a still pictures on 7 July – see ‘Preferred Options’ video online - see below. presentation http://www.wigan.gov.uk/Services/Planning/Policies/ DevelopmentFramework/PreferredOptionsVideo.htm 7 July 2009 Housing Developers Forum Members of C 11. Wigan Core Strategy / Strategic Housing Land Availability Opportunities for breakfast meeting the Borough Assessment (SHLAA) consultation, Housing input publicised. Developers Partnership 19 Strategy. Distributed SHLAA schedule of sites. Forum Stakeholder meeting 7 July 2009 Article in Wigan Observer General public A 2. Local Press article on The Bell. Opposition in Wigan newspaper noted. 7 July 2009 Email at half-way point in 8 All consultees A, B, C, 8. Email, 9. Consultation reminder including link to video. Further weeks consultation with with email D, E Webpage awareness of link to webpage video addresses video the consultation. 7 July 2009 NHS Ashton, Leigh and Lynn Calvert A 19 Discussed scope of meeting with PCT: Sustainability Opportunities for Wigan pre-meeting Stakeholder Appraisal, relevant policies to health, PCT Estates input publicised. meeting Strategy and Health Impact Assessment. 7 July 2009 Leigh Town Centre Leigh Town A 19 Short presentation was given to the group regarding Opportunities for Management Group, Leigh Centre key Stakeholder the Core Strategy Preferred Options and what it input publicised Town Hall stakeholders meeting meant for the town centre. The only question asked was about the Leigh East ARLFC site and what retail would be on this site? 7 July 2009 Golborne and Lowton Township A, B 11. Greenbelt, brownfield land, safeguarded land, lack of Opportunities for Township Forum, Lowton Forum Partnership highways infrastructure, social housing and Strategic input publicised. Civic Hall. members 12. Local Housing Land Availability Assessment issues raised. Forum 8 July 2009 Emails circulated to Youth Young People A 8. Email, 9. Consultation reminder including link to video. Opportunities for Strategic Participation Webpage input publicised. Group video 8 July 2009 Wigan Borough Health and Alan A 11. Wigan 25 copies of ‘Your borough’ summary leaflet sent in Opportunities for Wellbeing Partnership, Stephenson, Borough advance of meeting. input publicised. Bryan House Chairman Partnership, NHS Ashton 19 Leigh and Stakeholder Wigan meeting 22 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) 8 July 2009 Atherton Township Forum Township A, B 11. Concerns expressed over inadequacy of road Opportunities for Chowbent Community Hall Forum Partnership infrastructure, car parking at Atherton Station, input publicised. members 12. Local employment use at Chanters Industrial Estate, Forum housing numbers and building schools for the future. 9 July 2009 Meeting with PPG Mark Williams A, C 19 PPG Industries, fibre glass manufacturers, stated Will submit Industries (UK) and King and Brian Stakeholder their intention to remain on their site (West of Leigh representations Sturge to discuss PPG Stewart meeting Road) and modernise their operation. It is likely that in support of the aspirations and (PPG); Mike part of site will be sold. They expressed concern that proposal. implications of the Core Hopkins (King the aspirations of neighbouring landowners Strategy. Sturge); Keith (particularly CBRE) may undermine theirs, as Molloy (ERO) housing development in close proximity is not suitable due to natural gas/oxygen emissions. 9 July 2009 ASCEND Community Community A 11. Wigan Issues raised include a need for greater functional Information Network Special Meeting, Represent- Borough open space, including for play, recreation, provided to Wigan Town Hall – atives Partnership, biodiversity and flood risk. Infrastructure needs for enable group to independently facilitated 14 Invited new housing; more thought on type and tenure of submit any event public meeting housing required; road improvements to better serve additional 17. residents and businesses; crime reduction and a representations Community sustainable plan. online or in engagement writing if facilitators required. 10 July 2009 Safer, Stronger & More Sally A,F,G 18/19 Issues raised include Ensure that new development Further meeting Attractive Communities Wolstencroft, Stakeholder does not put pressure on existing water resources, when required. Key Stakeholder meeting Liz Mackay, meeting highways infrastructure needs to be brought forward Joyce Swift, at the same time or in advance of housing Bob Lomas development, mix of housing types required with (GM Police), reference to crime reduction, community safety and Chris Roberts appropriate recreation space. (GM Fire) 13 July 2009 Meeting to check progress Elizabeth A 19. We need to collect and present equality evidence to Equality Impact on consultation and Mackay, Chief Stakeholder ensure we are consulting with all relevant groups Assessment equality issues Executives meeting appropriately. required 14 July 2009 Economic Issues Group Economic F 18. Presentation and request to ensure sufficient Particular meeting Regeneration Stakeholder business participation in consultation. request for and Housing meeting business Strategy participation managers

23 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) 15 July 2009 Energy Stakeholder Planning, G 18/19 Be clear that reducing carbon emissions from new Be realistic meeting sustainability Stakeholder development is often just a reduction in the growth of about what the and meeting emissions – not an absolute reduction. Reducing Core Strategy environmental energy use in existing buildings also important. Need can achieve. health officers for energy assessments could delay developments. 15 July 2009 Education and Learning CYPS, W&LC, A 19 We need to know site requirements for new schools Consider ‘Focus Key Stakeholder Meeting SJR & Stakeholder prior to publication stage. Various suggested Partnerships’ for Winstanley meeting amendments to wording. Accessibility issues remain each key Colleges, at 16-19 establishments. strategic site Kevin Walsh (ERO) 15 July 2009 Wigan Town Centre Key Tom Barrett, A 18/19. Discussion centred on role of current masterplans, Opportunities for Stakeholder Meeting, Civic Steve Stakeholder appropriateness of town centre boundary proposals, input publicised. Buildings Thompson, Meeting education village concept, concerns over Mike implementation of infrastructure, engagement of Matthews church authorities, and future role of evening economy and smaller centres. 15 July 2009 Youth Parliament Alison Jones, A 13. Workshop Engagement with young people following on Issues Alerted to Representatives, Ince Tom Barrett, and Options stage. General discussion on planning response portal Community Centre Youth workers issues and need to allocate sites for employment and young people housing uses and impacts on their age group. 16 July 2009 Built Environment and Statutory C, D 19. Generally supported topic paper and proposed policy Opportunities for Landscape Key Consultees Stakeholder principles. No mention of conservation areas at risk, input publicised. Stakeholder Meeting and BC/DC Meeting questions over infrastructure provision, funding, Forum character area study, new school sites, reuse of Members vacant buildings of interest. 16 July 2009, Meeting with agents for Phil Rothwell C 19. Discussed issues around bringing forward 2 key Key site Key Site landowner Garrett (Peel) and Stakeholder strategic sites. stakeholder Hall and South of Hindley, Michael Meeting engagement Peel) Courcier and preview of (Northern likely Planning) representations. 17 July 2009 Natural Resources and Greater Man D, F, G 19. Stakeholders welcomed amendments previously Opportunity for Pollution and Waste Key Geological Stakeholder made and supported the policy principles. Main comment, and Stakeholders’ Meeting. Unit, United Meeting discussion was held around the destination of provide example Utilities, surface water run off and it’s potential to become a wording of Environmental major issue on restricting development of key sites. policies. Services 20 July 2009 Email circulated to Black Contacts in A 8. Emails Establishing improved contacts with Black and Opportunities for and Minority Ethnic (BME) Borough Minority Ethnic groups to ascertain interest in involvement 24 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) contacts planning issues. publicised 21 July 2009 Email or standard letter all those A to G 8. Letters and Email or letter acknowledging receipt of Acknowledg- sent submitting a emails representation and notifying of reference number. ment of representation representations received. 23 July 2009 Meeting with NHS Ashton, NHS Ashton, F 19. Spatial planning important in helping to reduce health On-going Leigh and Wigan Leigh and Stakeholder inequalities. Health Impact Assessment done for dialogue Wigan Meeting A5225. Co-location of facilities must be considered between fully but not to increase car dependency. planning and PCT required. 24 July 2009 Housing Partnership Housing A., B. 5. Leaflets and July edition of newsletter including article about LDF Reminder to Newsletter Partnership and G. Newsletter Core Strategy Preferred Options Consultation stakeholders of consultation 30 July 2009 Meeting with For North For North E. 19. Meeting in advance of submitted representations Received West – the leaders’ forum West (4NW) – Stakeholder from 4NW to discuss issues of concern. Matters submitted Duncan Mc- Meeting covered included the need for a clearer strategy; the representations Corquodale, delivery of infrastructure including funding, phasing, from 4NW. Sam Turner, responsibility and initial master-planning of key Need to involve Debra Holroyd strategic sites; the likelihood of a strategic review of them early in the Green Belt in late 2009 / early 2010; and the next stage. opportunity to consult 4NW on early pre-submission drafts as we go along. 30 July 2009 Strategic Landscape and Wildlife Trust, A, E, F, 19. This meeting was intended for the dissemination of Comments Green Infrastructure Greenheart, G Stakeholder information. Issues related to the inclusion of blue received from Red Rose Meeting infrastructure such as the river and canal networks Red Rose Forest, British and including SUDS etc. Also identified the need to Forest and Waterways, better cross reference across all documents. Salford City Salford Council Council and Environmental Services officers 5 August Meeting with the Government E. 19. See Limehouse representation. Official visit from 2009 Government Office for the Office for the Stakeholder Planning North West North West Meeting Inspectorate (GONW) – arranged for Phil Lally and October. Dave Arstall 8 September Article in Wigan Observer General public A 2. Local Article concerning potential loss of lapwings if The Noted 2009 in Wigan newspaper Bell is developed. 25 Date / Time Event / Activity People Groups Method of Brief description, main issue raised and links to Outcomes (when) Involved (who) Involvement relevant documents (what/how) 10 CYPS 14-19 Strategic Trish A, G 19. Presentation on the Core Strategy Preferred Options. September Partnership Group meeting Anderson, Stakeholder Detailed discussion followed regarding how the Core 2009 Elaine Walsh, Meeting Strategy supported the 14-19 agenda. ‘Your Arthur Naylor, borough’ summary leaflet and education/employment Carol Bluer, related policy principles were distributed to all Kevin Walsh attendees. (ERO), Cath Hurst (W&LC) 14 Meeting with neighbouring Planners from E 19. Discussion focussed around joint working, working Useful sharing September districts Chorley, Stakeholder with the Highways Agency, transport modelling, of experiences. 2009 ‘Central Meeting infrastructure and funding and key strategic sites Agreed to keep Lancashire’, including The Bell. in closer liaison West Lancs, over our LDFs. Warrington, St Helens were Salford and unable to attend Bolton – need to follow Councils up. 15 Greater Manchester David A 12. Local and Presentation on the Core Strategy Preferred Options. We will be September Chamber of Commerce Kearsley, user group Detailed discussion followed and all in attendance receiving 2009 Patrick forums appeared to be in general support of our proposals. submitted Pinsloo, ‘Your borough’ summary leaflet were distributed to all representations Miranda Allen, attendees. from the Keith Molloy, business sector. members of the business community 15 Questionnaire regarding 80 business C 8. Emails See questionnaire. Analysis of September – vacant employment units agents findings and a 2nd October circulated to 80 property list of 2009 agents and businesses. questionnaire respondents.

Groups (Who)? Group A: groups and individuals with little or no planning background, such as local residents and interest groups (including businesses and stakeholders). Group B: groups and individuals with some planning background, such as councillors and parish councils. Group C: groups and individuals with a planning background, such as planning consultants and developers Group D: national organisations, such as the Environment Agency Group E: adjoining local planning authorities and the Government Office for the North West 26 Group F: Cross Departmental Officers, Wigan Group G: Environmental Services Officers

Method of Involvement (what/how)

1. Newspaper notice* 11. Wigan Borough Partnership 2. Local newspapers and radio 12. Local and user group forums 3. Press Release 13. Workshops, seminars and focus groups (presentations) 4. Borough Life magazine 14. Public meetings 5. Leaflets and Newsletter 15. Citizens Panel 6. Information points and exhibitions 16. Readers Panel 7. Consultation Documents* 17. Community Engagement Facilitators 8. Letters and emails* 18. Officer Group meeting (Internal) 9. Web page* 19. Stakeholder meeting (External) 10. Comments form 20. Bespoke activity

27 Appendix 3

Equality Impact Assessment of Core Strategy Preferred Options

As part of our sustainability appraisal, we considered a wide range of social impacts that cover aspects of equality and diversity.

This document provides a summary of those impacts, which were identified at the preferred options stage of our Core Strategy through a robust assessment process.

Our assessments involved consultation through a number of ‘appraisal sessions’, each covering different aspects of sustainability. Attendees at each session are listed in Appendix 3.1. At each session a range of questions were used to help guide the impact assessments. Those relevant to equality and diversity have been highlighted in Appendix 3.1. It must also be remembered that the Core Strategy should be read as a whole document and it is unnecessary to repeat questions for different topic areas.

There is potential for more detailed and dedicated equality impact assessments to be carried out to deal with particularly significant issues.

Spatial Policy 1 – Core Spatial Approach

Impact Directing development to the core of the borough could help to regenerate and revitalise communities in the more deprived areas and engender greater 9 community identity and pride. Increased population in already dense areas could lead to social tension between different groups. Some existing communities could react negatively U to new development. Providing sufficient housing of mixed types would be positive for vulnerable, excluded and low income groups and could help secure greater community 9 cohesion, assuming equal opportunity of access. Focusing on Wigan as the sub-regional town could be positive for communities in the west of the borough, but negative for the more easterly 9 communities as they may be more excluded from opportunities for work and leisure.

Spatial Policy 2 – Wigan Town Centre

Impact

No significant impacts identified in terms of equality and diversity.

Spatial Policy 3 - Wigan South Central

Impact Directs development to many deprived areas which could help improve life opportunities for people who are currently excluded due to their social class / 9 qualifications and income.

28 There is a danger that development could further exclude disadvantaged groups if it is not made accessible and does not integrate well with the U existing communities.

Spatial Policy 7 – Leigh Central

Impact

No significant impacts identified in terms of equality and diversity.

Spatial Policy 11 – Ashton

Impact

No significant impacts identified in terms of equality and diversity.

Core Policy Principle 1 – Health and Recreation

Impact Failure to build appropriate consultation with key stakeholder groups (specifically young people) potentially creates further tension points within the U borough regarding negative outcomes of negotiated open public space. Improved access to healthcare helps vulnerable and older social groups in 9 particular. The most deprived areas would benefit most from improvements to walking 9 and cycling facilities. Provision of sports and recreation facilities, and allotments in particular, offers opportunity for different social groups to come together, and promote a sense 9 of community identity.

Core Policy Principle 2 – Stronger, safer, more attractive communities

Impact Poorly designed development could further exclude existing communities (creating gated communities). Careful use of ‘Secure By Design’ is needed, U with particular attention given to women’s safety as well. Access to good quality local community facilities for all sectors is a strong positive for all social groups, for community engagement and for stronger, 9 more positive relationships within communities. Directs development to many deprived areas which could help improve life opportunities for people who are currently excluded due to their social class / 9 qualifications and income. Some sectors of the community may not have access to quality community facilities (e.g. children's centres) if we are targeting the inner areas of the 9 borough. There are pockets of deprivation away from inner areas that need to be considered too.

29 Core Policy Principle 3 – Education and Learning

Impact Replacement secondary school provision could disadvantage communities U which lose a valuable community facility and need to travel further. Lower income groups benefit especially from improved accessibility to higher 9 and further education centres by walking, cycling and public transport. Promotion of certain methods of communication and learning (such as IT) could exclude certain groups (often includes ethnicity / disability) due to the U cost of connection and equipment amongst other factors, such as knowledge of IT.

Core Policy Principle 4 – Economy and Employment

Impact Ensuring job opportunities are well related to areas of need is positive for more deprived communities, 9 Low income groups could benefit most from improved public transport, walking and cycling facilities. The inequality gap could remain or grow with market growth, which is a U potential negative impact.

Core Policy Principle 5 – Housing

Impact Mixing of housing types is positive for vulnerable, excluded and lower income social groups. However, migrants may prefer to concentrate/co-locate rather 9 / U than disperse/integrate. Affordable housing provision is positive for low income groups, as are lower running costs from more sustainably designed homes (although capital costs 9 / U may be exclusionary). Possible social tensions arising from "overcrowding" factor (due to concentration of new development and higher densities in already highest U populated areas). It is important to note that this could potentially create pockets of wealth in deprived areas, which would worsen inequalities.

Core Policy Principle 6 – Retail and Centres

Impact Low income groups (including ethnic minorities) would especially benefit from improved public transport, walking and cycling facilities and close proximity of 9 local services.

30 Core Policy 7 - Accessibility

Impact Accessibility improvements may help people from a range of social identities to access and contribute to a wider range of activities. The increased visibility 9 of these groups could potentially challenge negative cultural perceptions. Given their lack of transport choice, the most deprived communities would benefit especially from improvements to public transport, walking and cycling 9 - as well as from proposals to focus on town centres and to reduce the need to travel Lack of access to a car will remain a disadvantage for many social groups U (define groups), as will low-cost access to public transport and ICT.

Explicitly mentions provision for disabled access, and parking measures, 9 which would encourage greater equality of access for disabled people. Road safety measures would especially benefit deprived communities which suffer the 9 highest casualties.

Core Policy 8 – Greenbelt and Safeguarded Land

Impact Positive for ‘community development’ but no significant impacts identified in terms of equality and diversity.

Core Policy 9 – Strategic Landscape and Green Infrastructure

Impact Some greenspace can be associated with an actual or perceived lack of safety, with particular groups, such as women, young people and people from U minority ethnic backgrounds, having greater concerns over safety. If design is not appropriate there are potential negative connotations. Some potential for difficult community relationships where wishes of different U social groupings conflict in relation to multi-uses of green space.

Core Policy 10 – Design

Impact Inclusive design is positive for equality of access and cohesion of different social groups, particularly disabled people and those with poor access to 9 services and transport.

31 Core Policy 11 – Historic Environment

Impact

No significant impacts identified in terms of equality and diversity.

Core Policy 12 – Wildlife Habitats and Species

Impact Positive for ‘community development’ but no significant impacts identified in terms of equality and diversity.

Core Policy 13 – Energy

Impact Energy efficiency measures are especially positive for low-income groups 9 and the elderly. The additional initial costs of implementing high sustainability standards could exclude lower income groups if no subsidy is provided. The cost of U renewable fuel may also be more expensive, which may compound issues of fuel poverty. These negative issues are likely to be short term in nature.

Core Policy 14 – Waste

Impact Potential to enhance social cohesion and community pride through local waste initiatives. However, no significant impacts identified in terms of equality and diversity.

Core Policy 15 – Natural Resources

Impact Measures to reduce water consumption could benefit lower income groups by lowering bills but large families (high users) could find the transition to 9 / U metered water difficult.

Core Policy 16 - Pollution

Impact Potential for air quality improvements along major routes (which includes many deprived areas) if infrastructure is secured. However, development 9 / U without the necessary infrastructure could worsen air quality in these areas, further disadvantaging certain communities.

32 Key Strategic Sites

A number of key strategic sites were proposed in the core strategy preferred options that will help us to deliver a significant proportion of our housing and employment provision.

At this stage it is difficult to identify impacts with great confidence as this will depend upon the nature of the developments. However, a general observation that applies to those sites with employment provision is that there could be benefits for local residents (many in deprived areas) in terms of access to employment.

Again, there is also a danger that development could create pockets of wealth in deprived areas which could further exclude certain social groups. This is thought to be unlikely, as key principles behind the strategic sites and indeed the Core Strategy throughout is to tackle inequalities and promote inclusionary development.

The equality and diversity impacts associated with these sites need to be explored in more detail when masterplans are drawn up.

Summary

The Core Strategy has mainly positive or neutral impacts across the full range of social identity groups. In particular those living in deprived areas, those with a low income, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities would benefit from enhanced access to jobs, leisure, education and health facilities.

There are specific policies that promote equality for certain social groups, such as improved facilities for youths, design measures to take account of disability, and community facilities that embrace the diversity of our communities.

Despite the broadly positive impacts, there are some potential issues that may need to be explored further or monitored to ensure that certain social groups are not affected adversely. For example, there may be safety concerns associated with new open space that affect women and other social groups more acutely. Another general concern is that development could exacerbate existing inequalities if it is not implemented in an inclusive way.

Recommendations and further assessment

− Promote a mixed tenure approach in new housing development to avoid ‘barriers’ being formed between private housing and existing communities.

− Consult with local communities about new facilities.

− Consult with communities about how they use and access open space.

− Ensure close collaboration with local communities at the design stage.

− Ensure that new educational facilities are culturally appropriate.

− Accessibility issues for areas that are ‘losing’ school provision should be explored.

− Community groups should be identified/defined to allow for better engagement and planning of new development.

33 − Explore the spatial concentration of social groups (such as ethnic minorities) and how this may be affected by new development. Consult on their views about ‘integration’.

− Consult groups vulnerable to crime / fear of crime when designing new routes / layouts (particularly young, female and ethnic minority)

Impacts broken down by social groups

Social class The core spatial policy (SP1) promotes development in the inner areas of the borough which are characterised by high levels of deprivation. Core Policy Principles for health (CP1), communities (CP2) economy (CP4) and Housing (CP5) also support these principles of tackling issues were they are most acute.

Lower income groups are likely to benefit more from better accessibility to local services and alternative forms of travel such as walking, cycling and public transport (Policies CP6 and CP 7 in particular)

Focusing on the inner areas of the borough is potentially beneficial for those living in deprived areas that have low income as it improves their chances of attaining employment and better quality facilities for education, health and leisure. However, it is important to note that development can exacerbate inequalities if not delivered in the right way. Careful planning and monitoring is required to ensure that the positive aspects of development are realised.

Our policy on energy (CP13) should help tackle issues of fuel poverty that are problematic for lower income groups. However, high capital costs could be exclusionary in the short term, so subsidy and targeting of vulnerable groups may be necessary.

Likewise, our policies on natural resources (CP15 and Design CP10) which promote sustainability measures in new and existing development could be positive for lower income groups if capital cost barriers are removed.

Age Young people in particular may benefit from new community facilities proposed as a part of policies CP1, CP2 and CP3. It is important to consult with younger people on the use of open space or it could create tension points with other social groups that use the public space. Open space as promoted in policy CP9 can also create safety concerns for particular groups including youths.

Improved access to healthcare (as promoted in policy CP3) helps vulnerable and older social groups in particular.

Gender Policy CP2 promotes the use of ‘Secure By Design’ standards. It is important to ensure that this takes female safety into account.

Open space, as promoted in policy CP9, can also create safety concerns for particular groups including women.

34 Faith Policy CP2 promotes the development of community facilities for a range of social activities, including those related to faith.

Sexuality No significant impacts identified.

Disability Policy CP 7 on accessibility explicitly mentions provision for access and parking measures which would encourage greater equality of access for disabled people.

Inclusive design (as promoted as part of policy CP 10) is positive for equality of access and cohesion of different social groups, particularly disabled people.

Ethnicity The Core Strategy is likely to have profound positive impacts on deprived communities. There are concentrations of ethnic minorities in our deprived areas. Therefore, these groups could also benefit from the proposals. However, it is important to engage with these groups to ensure they share the benefits of development.

Mixing of housing types (as promoted in policy CP5) is also positive for vulnerable, excluded and lower income social groups. However, migrants may prefer to concentrate/co-locate rather than disperse/integrate.

Open space as promoted in policy CP9 can create safety concerns for particular groups including ethnic minorities.

‘Other’ Replacement secondary school provision (as outlined in policy CP3) could disadvantage those communities which lose a valuable community facility and need to travel further.

35 Appendix 3.1

Preferred options appraisal workshops and question relevant to Equality and Diversity

NB: Attendees are from Wigan Council unless stated otherwise.

Session Date Attendees 1. Air Quality 3rd Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Dec Paul Cartmell (Senior Environmental Health Officer) 2008 James Noakes (Sustainability Manager) Janet Withington (Sustainability Co-ordinator)

No questions particularly relevant to equality and diversity.

Session Date Attendees 2. Economy 4th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Dec David Kearsley (Planning Policy) 2008 Dave Walker (Implementation) Paul Foster (Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce)

Sustainability objectives considered

Objective 18 - To ensure a diverse and prosperous borough of high employment and economic activity that benefits everyone.

Relevant questions

− Will it reduce unemployment and help to improve earnings for local people? (Particularly in the most excluded communities)?

− Will it support high and stable levels of growth and employment, while ensuring that the benefits of that economic growth can be shared by everyone in the Borough?

Session Date Attendees 3. Leisure 8th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Dec Tom Barrett (Planning Policy) 2008 Andrew Bond (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust) Stuart Murray (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust) John Hesketh (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust) Nick Colledge (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust) Jeff Gorse (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust)

No questions particularly relevant to equality and diversity.

36 Session Date Attendees 4. Soil and 8th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) landscape Dec Janet Withington (Sustainability Co-ordinator) 2008 Gary Harold (Environmental Planning) Adrian Smith (Principal Officer – Environmental Protection) Jeni Templeman (Environment Agency) Dawn Hewitt (Environment Agency) Philippa Lane (Greater Manchester Geological Unit) No questions particularly relevant to equality and diversity.

Session Date Attendees 5. Built 9th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Environment Dec Jason Kennedy (Conservation and Design Officer) 2008 Chris Carroll (Planning Officer – Urban Design) Graham Dickman (Development Control Manager) Judith Nelson (English Heritage) No questions particularly relevant to equality and diversity.

Session Date Attendees 6. 9th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Accessibility Dec James Noakes (Sustainability Manager) 2008 Carmel Foster–Devine (LTP Delivery Manager) Alison Jones (Planning Policy) Barry King (GMLTP) Richard Clowes (GMPTE) Wayne O’Connor (GMPTE)

Sustainability objectives considered

Objective 16 - To develop transport telecommunications and economic infrastructure so as to encourage efficient patterns of movement, less need to travel and improvements in the choice and use of sustainable transport modes.

Relevant questions

− Will it provide and improve access (via sustainable modes) to key goods, services and facilities that are appropriate to the needs of different groups and communities?

37 Session Date Attendees 7. Water 10th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Dec Janet Withington (Sustainability Co-ordinator) 2008 Dawn Hewitt (Environment Agency) David Hardman (United Utilities)

No questions particularly relevant to equality and diversity.

Session Date Attendees th 8. Community 15 Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Safety and Dec Neighbourho 2008 od Quality Paul Whitemoss (Service Manager)

Sustainability objectives considered

Objective 7: To reduce crime, disorder, drug use and the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. Particularly in our priority neighbourhoods and other "hotspots".

Objective 8: To protect and improve the environmental quality of neighbourhoods, particularly those with high levels of multiple deprivation.

Relevant questions

− How will it affect opportunities for and thus levels of crime, disorder, drug use and anti-social behaviour? Especially amongst vulnerable groups.

− How will it affect fear of crime and perceptions of anti-social behaviour? Especially amongst vulnerable groups.

− How will it affect the crime "gap" between our priority neighbourhoods and the rest of the borough?

− Will it help close any "gap" in environmental quality between priority neighbourhoods and the rest of the Borough?

38 Session Date Attendees 9. Housing 15th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Dec Martin Stuart (Planning Policy) 2008 Lisa Roche (Planning Policy) Angela Durkin (Housing Policy Officer) Cheryl Foster (Wigan & Leigh Housing) Sustainability objectives considered Objective 12: To ensure access for all to good quality, affordable housing that is sustainably designed, built and maintained.

Relevant questions

− Will it ensure a supply of well-planned affordable housing in all parts of the borough that meets the needs of all social groups and makes the borough more economically competitive?

− Will it reduce homelessness and the proportion of unfit and vacant houses?

− Will it ensure sustainable patterns of growth? (i.e.? close to existing infrastructure and public transport/brownfield development, access to employment)

− Will it reduce fuel poverty?

Session Date Attendees 10. Health 16th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Dec Tom Barrett (Planning Policy) 2008 Tim Carroll (Service Manager – Children and Young Peoples Services) Julie Hotchkiss (Ashton, Leigh & Wigan Primary Care Trust) Ann Reid (Ashton, Leigh & Wigan Primary Care Trust) George Murdoch (UME Group)

Sustainability objectives considered

− Objective 9 - To protect and improve physical and mental health, improve access to good quality health care and encourage healthy lifestyles, particularly in the most deprived parts of the Borough

Relevant questions

− Will it improve access to high-quality health facilities for all and have a neutral or positive impact on capacity.

− Will it protect and improve physical and mental health and promote wellbeing of communities, particularly those in deprived areas?

− Will it help adapt to health impacts that could become more likely due to climate change and unsustainable lifestyles (such as heat stress, food deserts & insect borne diseases)

− Will it ensure a secure supply of affordable food for the borough?

− Will it encourage healthy lifestyles?

39 Session Date Attendees 11. 16th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Community Dec Janet Withington (Sustainability Co-ordinator) Development 2008 Dave Walker (Implementation) Sian Jay (Policy Manager – Equality, Diversity and Cohesion) Simon Dale (Policy and Planning Manager) Tony Dann (Head of Service - Strategic Partnership, Performance and Localities) Nick Burdekin (Environmental Education Co-ordinator) Tim Carroll (Service Manager – Children and Young Peoples Services) Nikki March (Implementation)

Sustainability objectives considered

Objective 9 - To effectively involve local communities in decision making, build community capacity and encourage a sense of community identity and welfare that embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.

Relevant questions

− Will it encourage engagement in community activities, particularly from "hard-to- reach" groups? (Ethnic minorities, elderly, deprived)

− Will it ensure genuine consultation with all affected parties (including hard to reach) and increase their ability to influence decisions about development and service delivery in their areas?

− Will it encourage strong and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds and communities?

− Will certain social groups be better or worse off because of the proposal? (Consider Age, race, gender, religion, class, disability, sexual orientation)

Session Date Attendees 12. Waste 17th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Dec Janet Withington (Sustainability Co-ordinator) 2008 Gail Robinson (Waste Disposal and Recycling Manager) Martin Stuart (Planning Policy) Alethea Faulkner (Greater Manchester Geological Unit) No questions particularly relevant to equality and diversity.

40 Session Date Attendees 13. Education 17th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) and Learning Dec Janet Withington (Sustainability Co-ordinator) 2008 Nick Burdekin (Environmental Education Co-ordinator) David Kearsley (Planning policy) Taryn Pearson (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust) Tim Carroll (Service Manager – Children and Young Peoples Services)

Sustainability objectives considered

Objective 13 - To improve educational and vocational achievement, ensuring a culture of lifelong learning that allows people to fulfil their duties and potential in a global society.

Relevant questions

− Will it improve facilities and opportunities for lifelong learning (particularly for those with greatest need)?

Session Date Attendees 14. 18th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Biodiversity Dec Roz Park (Senior Ecologist and Conservation Officer) 2008 Graham Workman (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust) Craig Higson (Environment Agency) Dawn Hewitt (Environment Agency) Suzanne Waymont (Greater Manchester Ecology Unit) No questions particularly relevant to equality and diversity.

Session Date Attendees 15. Energy 19th Ian McCluskey (Sustainability Officer) Dec Janet Withington (Sustainability Co-ordinator) 2008 James Noakes (Sustainability Manager) Nick Clarke (Planning Policy) No questions particularly relevant to equality and diversity.

41 Appendix 4

Core Strategy – Diversity Monitoring Form

Please tick the relevant boxes. If you would prefer not to, you do not need to answer all of the questions.

What is your gender? Male Female Transgender

Which age group do you fall within? Under 20 30-39 50-59 70-79 20-29 40-49 60-69 80+

Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health problem or disability which has lasted or is expected to last more than 12 months? (include problems related to old age) Yes, limited a lot Yes, limited a little No

To which of these ethnic groups do you consider you belong?

White English/Welsh/Scottish Irish Northern Irish/British Gypsy or Irish Traveller Other white background

Mixed/multiple ethnic groups White and Asian White and Black African White and Black Caribbean Any other mixed/multiple ethnic background

Asian/Asian British Indian Bangladeshi Any other Asian Pakistani Chinese Background

Black/African/Caribbean/Black British African Any other Black/African/ Caribbean Caribbean background

Other ethnic group Arab Any other ethnic group

Do you consider yourself to be: Hetrosexual Gay/Lesbian Bisexual

What is your religion or belief? Buddhist Muslim Christian (All Christian denominations) Sikh Hindu None Jewish Prefer not to say

Please turn over

42

What is your postcode? ……………………………………

What activities do you do in Wigan? (please tick all that apply)

Leisure Live Shop Study Work Other (please specify)

……………………………….

Which of these qualifications do you have? (Please tick the highest qualification that applies)

1-4 O levels / CSEs / GCSEs (any grades), Entry Level, Foundation Diploma NVQ Level 1, Foundation GNVQ, Basic Skills 5+ O levels (passes) / GCSEs (grade 1) / GCSEs (grades A*-C), School Certificate, 1 A level / 2/3 AS levels / VCEs, Higher Diploma NVQ Level 2, Intermediate GNVQ, City and Guilds Craft, BTEC First / General Diploma, RSA Diploma 2+ A levels / VCEs, 4+ AS levels, Higher School Certificate, Progression / Advanced Diploma NVQ level 3, Advanced GNVQ, City and Guilds Advanced Craft, ONC, OND, BTEC National, RSA Advanced Diploma Degree (BA, BSc), Higher Degree (MA, PhD, PGCE) NVQ Level 4-5, HNC, HND, RSA Higher Diploma, BTEC Higher Level Other No qualifications

Which of these activities best describes what you are doing at present?

Employee in full time job (30+ hours per week) Employee in part time job (under 30 hours per week) Self employed full or part time On a government supported training programme (Modern Apprenticeship/Training for work) Full-time education at school, college or university Unemployed and available for work Permanently sick/disabled Wholly retired from work Looking after the home/family

Doing something else (please state)……………………………………………………………….

Please use the FREEPOST envelope provided to return this form as soon as possible Thank you for your help

43 Environmental Services Department Interim Executive Director: Gillian Bishop

Our reference: NC/AJ Your reference: Please ask for: Alison Jones Extension: 4239 Direct line: 01942 404239 Date: As postmark

Dear Sir/Madam

Wigan Local Development Framework Core Strategy Preferred Options for Community and Stakeholder Involvement

Further to your involvement in Wigan's Core Strategy I am now contacting you as we need to monitor how well we are doing in consulting the community as a whole. It would be helpful if could you complete the enclosed diversity monitoring form and return it in the FREEPOST envelope provided by 7th December 2009. Alternatively if you have access to a computer you may prefer to do this online at http://wigan- consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/pp/sandq/divmon .

You do not need to log in and the information gathered is statistics only and cannot be traced back to you personally.

Thank you for your time spent on this.

Yours faithfully,

Alison Jones Planning Officer

Please reply to Alison Jones Wigan Council, Environmental Services Department, Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan WN1 1RP. Phone: 01942 404239 Fax: 01942 404222 E-mail: [email protected] www.wigan.gov.uk

44 Individual Comments to Core Strategy Preferred Options Document Appendix 5

Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response 1. Introduction Mr Peter Introduction General Land at Moor Lane Farm, Downall Green Road would be suitable for housing development. Hughes response Mr Michael Introduction General The East of Atherton site is an already established semi-rural area. Sympathetic development of Hope response further pathways, cycle paths and bridleways could provide a natural corridor link between the redeveloped Cutacre site and the centre of Atherton and beyond to Leigh. Superintendent Greater Introduction General I confirm Wigan Division's support for the framework document. Robert Lomas Manchester response Police St Helens St Helens Introduction General The potential development at the former Parkside Colliery site should be acknowledged as this is Council Council response immediately adjacent to Wigan. Longcourten Introduction General Support the extension of the plan period beyond 2021, however, consider that 2026 is not an Developments response appropriate end date to accord with PPS3 paragraph 53. As the Core Strategy is timetabled for adoption in 2011 we consider the end date should be extended to 2031. This will require a corresponding increase in the housing requirement. Mrs Lindsay Highways Introduction General Robust and consistent transport evidence base and sound Local Infrastructure Plan required to Alder Agency response ensure plans can be delivered sustainably. If sites not sustainable, or cause impact on operation and safety of strategic route network, an iterative process needed to identify more suitable locations, and/ or, drop these aspirations. Any other measures which will reduce the trip generation characteristics of the polices / sites, and impact on strategic route network should also go through an iterative process to identify the most suitable and sustainable option. Consultation with us at every stage important. A programme of delivery should be adopted. This will inform phasing. Overall the Agency will continue to work proactively with Wigan. 2. How to get involved Cllr Christine How to get General Development - to be development - must be what people want and need; If it's not what they want and Cottam involved response need then it's just jobs for the developers (and their clients); if the system ensures that people are unable to comment on the proposals then the system must be changed; and if it isn't the conclusion must be that the developers (and their clients) don't want people to know about them. Rose Freeman Theatres Trust How to get General A glossary to explain various terms especially your understanding of the term 'cultural facilities' would involved response be helpful. There is much duplication between policies. Few details as to the scale of development, the range and mix of uses, how they relate to each other and the infrastructure necessary to achieve this.

45 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response 3. Spatial portrait Ms Judith English Spatial portrait General The description notes that settlements retain much of their individual identity and characteristics. It will Nelson Heritage response be important for future change to safeguard the special significance of these places. Your planned character study will help understanding with conservation area appraisals and this work should be highlighted. Mr Frank A 'spatial General Hardly surprising that the council's preferred option is Option 4 - as your earlier document talked- Mokrysz portrait' of response down the merits of the other options. It seems future development will be concentrated on Wigan Wigan Borough itself, plus Hindley, Platt Bridge and Leigh. This gives serious concerns that the specific needs of other areas such as Ashton and Golborne will be neglected over the next decade or so. Cllr Brian A 'spatial General Leigh has no railway station and highways in Wigan are based on foot and horse drawn traffic. Finnigan portrait' of response Wigan Borough Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure A 'spatial General The spatial picture and context would be better defined if appropriate reference was made to overall Turczynski and Culture portrait' of response green space and its value, such as "Wigan is a borough that benefits from a comparatively high Trust Wigan Borough proportion of greenspace and green belt land". Comparisons could be made on a regional basis and between Townships to provide spatial context. Mr Frank Ashton and Bryn General Surely you didn't need a survey to tell you that most Ashtonians get their food elsewhere. I find Ashton Mokrysz response satisfies most of my food needs. "Why has Wigan got two large shopping centres, the Galleries and the Grand Arcade, with the older Galleries being half-empty and seemingly heading for oblivion?"

Mr Frank Ashton and Bryn General In Ashton shopping facilities have improved considerably but its roads have been ignored so most Mokrysz response days the A58 is gridlocked. Many more houses have been built but infrastructure facilities have not increased proportionately. I appreciate your point that whatever you propose, you get an "ASHTON SAYS NO" response, but this may be because of suspicions about what the real motives are. It now seems almost a fait accompli that Byrchall and Cansfield schools are going to be relocated to Stubshaw Cross. Two things Ashton desperately needs are the link road from the M6 J25 to the Landgate and Three Sisters industrial sites, and onwards to Stubshaw Cross; plus something to alleviate town centre congestion - maybe making J24 and J25 full junctions would help, on the other hand it may make matters worse. Mr David Ashton and Bryn General The A49 and A58 do not form a circuit in Ashton - they effectively form a staggered crossroads which McKendrick response adds to congestion in the town centre.

46 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Brown Ashton and Bryn General Object for the following reasons: the destruction of Greenbelt land; the destruction of approximately response 193 acres of agricultural land; the destruction of ponds, wildlife habitats, woodland, wildlife corridors, hedge-rows and well established trees; increase in noise and pollution; the proposed road would not reduce traffic; increase in traffic; unacceptable levels of air pollution; Landgate and Stubshaw Cross is definitely not "alongside the M6 motorway"; the danger from HGV traffic and the pollution created from the HGVs and the Industrial Estate make this area inappropriate for a school that would have to accommodate all of Ashton's high school pupils; the expansion of the South Lancs Industrial estate as I believe it contravenes section EM1A of the UDP; closure of a Public Right of Way i.e. Woods Lane. Mrs Elizabeth Ashton and Bryn General Development will be detrimental because of an increase in noise and air pollution, loss of green Brown response spaces (including greenbelt) and woodland, impact on wildlife, and the danger of flooding that concreting over such a large area will bring. The proposed new road will do nothing to alleviate the traffic problem. It is at odds with the council's "Spacial Vision". Also the development takes in the fishing lodges that 100s of people use. Why build more warehousing or offices when so many already built are standing empty? Why build a new school when we already have 3 excellent schools? Why build a road through green fields (part greenbelt land) that will not solve any traffic problems and more likely exacerbate them? Mr Andrew Ashton and Bryn General There does not appear to be a need for the increase in warehousing and offices based on the amount Dobbs response of empty new builds on this side of the borough. There are several recently developed sites with little or no occupancy at all. Without adequate roads and drainage, life will become intolerable to the residents of Bolton Road, Bryn Road and Wigan Road. To introduce a large school complex with upwards of 2,000 school children (and their parents) having to negotiate this extra heavy traffic has the potential of causing accidents. Two schools and playing fields will be destroyed. This plan has all the appearance of being proposed solely because the money is available to build new industrial units and a large school. If an industrial site must be developed, the area between the junction 25 slip road of the M6 and the ASDA warehouse would be far more beneficial to both transport and the residents of Ashton and Bryn. If a super school must be created then developing either of the two school sites currently in use would be an option.

47 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Colin Lane Head Golborne and General The document lists Stonecross Park as a success but, in fact, many of the buildings are empty and Johnson South Lowton response the numbers employed are far fewer than originally promised by the developer. Planning permission Residents has been given to exploit Grange Farm in Lowton for industrial purposes so another piece of green Group belt will disappear. Rothwells Farm, Stirrup Farm and an area to the east of Lowton are being 'held in reserve' which is another phrase for 'to be developed' in the future. Apparently a new school is to be built on the 'green' land near the Civic Hall and no doubt the old school sites will be covered with houses. Step by step the Green Belt is being eroded and once built upon there is no going back. The Council seems to have a ceaseless desire to grow and develop. Why? What is wrong with the Borough at its present size or even smaller? Quality of life does not come from size but agreeable surroundings. Protection of the Green Belt should, therefore, have top priority. NB. Not all green fields listed are part of the official green belt but green fields are the lungs of our neighbourhood and even Mr Bryan Atherton Spatial portrait Question 1 Agree with the description of Atherton Township. A significant proportion of the housing in Atherton is Weddell Estates social rented and the profile of the town would be improved were an element of market housing introduced. Also agree that the town is tightly constrained by greenbelt and accordingly emphasis needs to be placed upon the regeneration and redevelopment of existing previously developed sites within the urban area. Cllr William Spatial portrait Question 1 There is a lack of information on Winstanley, either what exists or the future for the area. The eighth James Wilkes largest private development in Europe: circa 5,500 dwellings; 5 primary schools; one S.E.N. school for years 1 to 19. This is an ideal area for emerging families. Large sustainable community complex, The Grange and an active Community Network. Pemberton Colliery borders to the north and reclaimed Sandyforth Farm, former open cast colliery, an asset for the community to the south. Access to A571 St. Helens, Liverpool and Manchester via A580. Insufficient information concerning the Pemberton Colliery site and the impact on residents of Foundry Lane. The utilizing of Lamberhead Green for a new bypass road (A5225 chain link) and A49 access through the Peel site (Pemberton Park). An additional junction south is ludicrous at Orrell; there should be a NORTH junction J25 at Landgate to relieve Ashton and Orrell of HGV's having to pass through built up areas to access north routes to Preston and beyond. Jockey Club Spatial portrait Question 1 Pleased to note Haydock Park is recognised as part of the wider context of Wigan. Racecourses Tesco Stores Spatial portrait Question 1 Welcome the inclusion of significant detail, introducing each of the main centres within Wigan, but this Limited needs to be followed through to the policy section of the document. That link is not always made. For example, there is a significant amount of information on Leigh and its loss of trade to Bolton and Manchester, however the policies do not go far enough to address these issues or show acknowledgement of their importance.

48 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Ms Theodora Spatial portrait Question 1 Reasonable summary of Wigan South and Orrell and Billinge. There are specific problems associated Hardy with the lack of employment opportunities (paragraph 3.58). The key focus should be to provide additional land for employment together with market and affordable housing which would increase sustainability and reduce the need to travel. The proposed strategic employment site at the Bell, Lamberhead Green is considered to have major benefits for these sub-areas as well as the Borough as a whole. Mr James Lees Spatial portrait Question 1 The spatial portrait of Leigh is, sadly, spot on

Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Spatial portrait Question 1 In Standish, Aspull & Shevington township we note and agree that there is a low proportion of social Homes housing and high levels of owner occupation and detached housing. In order to enhance the range and mix of house types in tenures further housing should be allowed in Standish. Whilst broadly supportive of the "east-west core" approach the way to promote affordability within Standish is through the delivery of affordable housing as part of larger market led housing schemes.

Mr Mick Natural England Spatial portrait Question 1 Would particularly welcome a map showing the key wildlife sites. Would also like to see more positive Holding reference to the extensive green infrastructure resource, rather than just references to the 'tight constraints' of the Green Belt. Mr Andrew GVA Grimley Spatial portrait Question 1 Support paragraphs 3.85 - 3.95 on Leigh, in particular, agree that Leigh has a weak housing market Thompson with a high proportion of terraced housing and low level of owner-occupied properties. Paragraph 3.90 could be strengthened by the inclusion of a reference to the West Leigh Canalside site, already included in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2009. Agree that multiple deprivation is a major issue and is particularly severe in Westleigh and Plank Lane in the west of the town (paragraph 3.94). Also agree with the conclusion at paragraph 3.95 which states that the town would be a much more sustainable community if deprivation could be tackled.

Mr Mark E N The Coal Spatial portrait Question 1 Paragraphs 3.71- replace all references to "opencast mining" with "surface mining" to ensure that the Harrison Authority appropriate current industry terminology is applied in the Wigan Core Strategy. PPG Industries Spatial portrait Question 1 Fails to give adequate recognition to the position of the borough within the regional and sub-regional (UK) context, in that it is not well recognised as a business location due to its negative image and poor accessibility to the strategic road network. Should recognise that the area is constrained by poor site availability, poor environment and congested infrastructure. Out-commuting is an economic and sustainability issue that needs to be addressed. Should recognise the need to make more high quality employment land immediately available in sustainable locations. 4. Key issues Cllr Brian Key issues Vehicles can be said to have a degree of built-in safety, cyclists and pedestrians have virtually none. Finnigan Cycle pathways are not possible on narrow roads. For safety reasons pedestrians and vehicles must not mix in any environment. Bus lanes are often not used correctly.

49 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Ms Judith English Key issues The spatial portrait refers to pre 1919 terraced housing. Is the future for this housing a key issue? Nelson Heritage Heritage at Risk should also be included as a key issue. Mr Gareth Key issues Question 2 No mention of arts provision. Lack of performance space in the Borough already a serious issue and Cheesman removal of the space at Wigan Pier and the planned demolition of Lowton Civic Hall present a real issue of which there is no mention. Is there another strategy or document that covers performance space in the Borough and how well facilities, present and future, match demand? Mr Frank Key issues Question 2 Regarding energy sustainability and your climate change arguments, there is a large body of Mokrysz scientists who believe the jury is still out on climate change, carbon dioxide, etc. Whilst renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are undoubtedly a good thing, perhaps we shouldn't go overboard on the apparent evils of carbon-based fuels, especially given Wigan's coal mining history, and the UK's remaining significant coal reserves if carbon capture can work economically.

Mr Stuart Smith Key issues Question 2 Currently Wigan is bypassed for investment, retail and leisure purposes because travel is too difficult - both public transport and car. Other centres are more attractive because they are more accessible. You will solve a number of your headline issues if you actually produced some joined-up proposals.

Phil Hirst Key issues Question 2 No mention of cultural activities particularly as a way of improving health, for example, dancing. Council has concentrated on developing sport to the detriment of cultural activity and the closure of the Mill at the Pier and now Lowton Civic Hall coupled with the lost opportunity at Trencherfield Mill reinforce this situation. It was a hope that this new strategy may help to rectify this. Mrs Amanda Key issues Question 2 The major issue of peak oil has not been considered. This is the moment when we are no longer able Wellens-Bray to increase oil extraction to meet demand and considered by all experts to be inevitable within the time-frame of this core strategy. Even if you do not believe in climate change, the resulting price-rises and scarcity of oil will have a dramatic and irreversible effect on all aspects of life. We have a unique opportunity to develop a strategy that builds individual, community and Borough-wide resilience. Developing a strategy based upon previous lifestyle indicators conceived during an era of cheap and plentiful energy is no longer a viable option. M Shellum Mccarthy & Key issues Question 2 Agree, however, the headline issues should include the ageing of the population that is identified in Stone the Housing Topic Paper 6, and the WIgan Housing Needs Study 2008. This will have significant Retirement implications on all aspects of planning policy but most notably on the type of housing needed. Lifestyles Ltd Subsequent planning policies should then reflect this key issue. Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Key issues Question 2 Rrecommend a modification to the wording at bullet point 8: "...impacted the landscape" The word is Turczynski and Culture more appropriate than disfigured, for example to describe changes to the landscape at "the Flashes". Trust Also at bullet point 9 - climate change - it is felt that this commentary could be enhanced by some further definition / local context / or reference to the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

50 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Bryan Atherton Key issues Question 2 Broadly agree with the headline issues identified at paragraph 4.2. Need not only to recognise that Weddell Estates affordability is an issue in some areas but also that in others such as Atherton market perception is an issue and the area would benefit from more private sector housing. Cllr William Key issues Question 2 Generations of social dependency must be addressed in areas of deprivation. Agree with all other James Wilkes issues. Mr Bob Allen Groundwork Key issues Question 2 Agree. Lancashire West & Wigan Mr David Finch Lancashire Key issues Question 2 In keeping with references in other parts of document, suggest an additional key issue should be Wildlife Trust included to cover biodiversity and wildlife conservation, perhaps as follows: "There are considerable areas of wildlife importance and interest in Wigan. These should be preserved and enhanced because of the wildlife interest and also as an important factor in enhancing quality of life." Emma Williams National Key issues Question 2 Need more sites for new prisons. In identifying potential prison sites, the Prison Service has to take Offender account of local and regional requirements for additional prison places, the court catchment areas Management served and the relationship of the site to nearby population centres, the objectives of sustainable Service development and the need to reduce unnecessary travel should apply to site selection. Prisons have (NOMS) potential for a substantial and beneficial impact on the economy of a local area. NOMS requests that you consider the inclusion of a criteria based policy to deal with a firm prison proposal should it arise during the plan period. Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Key issues Question 2 Note the bullet point at the bottom of page 35 that there is a limited range of services and facilities and suggest that more detail on what services and facilities should be available so that this these deficiencies can be followed through to the policies. Suzanne Greater Key issues Question 2 It is disappointing that the biodiversity and nature conservation are not considered as "headline Waymont Manchester issues" given their fundamental importance to everyday life and the targets, both national and Ecology Unit regional, to not just halt the loss of priority habitats and species but to increase biodiversity. Peel Key issues Question 2 Generally agree with key issues but do not accept the description of the local housing market as Investments being 'two speed'. The market is not failing in Wigan, some areas are just more prosperous than (North) Ltd others. Evidence suggests house prices have risen more rapidly in less prosperous areas. Ms Cheryl Wigan & Leigh Key issues Question 2 The documents defines the housing market as "Two speed" with high demand and prices in outer Foster Housing Areas. Housing markets are complicated and 'true' affordability is not only linked to house price but Company Ltd also to income. A simple definition of affordability is housing which is sold or rented at a level which people entering the housing market could be reasonability expect to afford. Housing has become less affordable in recent years and as recession bites the need for social housing for rent is becoming ever more pressing and it is expected that even following market recovery the need for affordable housing will be sustained in the longer term across the borough.

51 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Kingmoor Park Key issues Question 2 Agree with bullet point 4. It is appropriate therefore that land currently, or last in use in such a declining sector, should be released for other more modern employment uses, alongside complementary development, such as residential. Also agree with bullet point 7. Schemes which propose to reduce the number of HGVs should be viewed positively in order to address this issue. Ms Theodora Key issues Question 2 A useful summary, supported. Hardy Mr David Evans Wigan & Leigh Key issues Question 2 Agree that health is a major issue in the Borough and urge the Council to strengthen wording in 4.2 Health Services bullet point 1 to actively support improvements in healthcare provision where this is necessary. N H S Trust

Mr James Lees Key issues Question 2 Agree that health, transport and neglected/disfigured land all stand out as headline issues.

Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Key issues Question 2 Agree with the headline issues and note the comments regarding the two speed housing market. Part Homes of the holistic approach to addressing this issue is the role that market led housing schemes have in contributing to and providing affordable housing. Mr Mick Natural England Key issues Question 2 Broadly agree but think it important to acknowledge the need to adapt to climate change already Holding 'locked in' in addition to giving recognition to mitigating contributions to climate change - although this is mentioned later in the document. Would also like to see greater recognition given to the need for enhancing the natural environment; for the species and habitats it supports and the services it provides. John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Key issues Question 2 Impact of previous mining activity overstated - request a more balanced approach. Parts of the Ltd borough have been affected but they have been restored to the standards of the time. There should be an acknowledgement that modern minerals restoration and aftercare schemes have and can beneficially contribute to the landscape and biodiversity enhancement. Mrs Lindsay Highways Key issues Question 2 Welcome the explicit identification that congestion is one of the key issues facing the Borough, and Alder Agency policies should be put in place to reduce this and increase public transport provision and usage. Notwithstanding this, any policies relating to congestion should not be at the expense of the operation and safety of the strategic route network. Mr Mark E N The Coal Key issues Question 2 Consider it appropriate for bullet point 8 to highlight mining legacy as a key issue in Wigan. However, Harrison Authority in addition to landscape matters, a key issue relating to mining legacy is land stability which should also be referred to. PPG Industries Key issues Question 2 The Council should also recognise the importance of manufacturing industry to the borough. The key (UK) issue is negatively worded towards manufacturing and seeks to discourage it. This should be amended. Bullet point 7 is supported. The issue of out-commuting needs to be recognised.

52 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Tom Miles Homes and Key issues Question 2 Yes the rationale for bringing forward safeguarded land for employment and housing is supported by Communities a strong evidence base. Where possible this land has been released next to major transport linkages, Agency whilst residential land has been released for high density development where it is near major transport linkages. Strongly support the provision of 80% of new housing allocations being delivered using existing buildings or brownfield land and the focus on town centres. Also agree that congestion is a major issue that needs to be addressed through significant investment in transport infrastructure.

Miss Alethea Greater Key issues Question 2 No mention of minerals and waste Faulkner Manchester Geological Unit 5. Key evidence Suzanne Greater Key evidence General Please note that the web address given for the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Action Plan on page Waymont Manchester response 37 is incorrect. It should be www.gmbp.org.uk. The address given is for the UK Biodiversity Action Ecology Unit Plan. Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Key evidence Question 3 Advocate inclusion of 'The SHAPE Strategy Towards 2012 - A Joined up policy for Sport, Health and Turczynski and Culture Physical Education for Wigan Borough' and 'The Parks and Green Spaces Strategy - A Vision for Trust 2020'. Cllr William Key evidence Question 3 Key Evidence (5) Open Space and Recreation Strategy omits the former Pemberton Colliery Site and James Wilkes the reclaimed Sandyforth Farm. Could even extend the Council's allotment allocation. Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Key evidence Question 3 Note that the Retail and Leisure Study information on page 39 only deals with retail and does not mention leisure. This is evident throughout the document and within the policies. Tesco Stores Key evidence Question 3 Support the findings of the Wigan Borough Retail and Leisure Study. However, given the longevity of Limited this document, exact figures for the capacity should not be included within the text as this may change over the lifetime of the document. Whilst it also highlights the need for further retail in certain areas, recommendations should not preclude development in other locations where there is a demonstrable need or it can be demonstrated that it would have positive impact and deliver wider benefits. Ms Cheryl Wigan & Leigh Key evidence Question 3 New North West Regional Housing Strategy 2008 now published and Council's Housing Needs Study Foster Housing 2008. Company Ltd Ms Theodora Key evidence Question 3 The plan appears to be based on a sound evidence base. The need for additional employment land Hardy and land for affordable housing is recognised and highlighted. Mrs Helen Environment Key evidence Question 3 Essential to include a reference to the Water Framework Directive which currently appears to be Telfer Agency missing. Similarly the North West River Basin Management Plan and the recently published a strategy for water resources within England and Wales entitled 'Water for People and the Environment'.

53 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr James Lees Key evidence Question 3 Since one of the key issues is health, evidence is needed on local health issues, particularly obesity, possibly from the PCT to ensure that planning policy is in line with their strategy. This ought to influence planning applications for takeaway food outlets and sport and recreation provision.

Peter Rowe Ashton, Leigh & Key evidence Question 3 The PCT is currently working with the Local Authority to produce a map with the location of every Wigan Primary Health Facility, School, Pharmacy and Local Authority owned building to better identify potential for co- Care Trust location. This will be shared with Planning.

Mr Mick Natural England Key evidence Question 3 Amendments are being made to the Habitats Regulations to reflect recent clarification of the status of Holding land-use plans as 'plans or projects' under Article 6(3) & 4 of the Habitats Directive. Natural England is awaiting further guidance on how the assessment procedures will need to be applied in the case of Local Development Frameworks. In general, this means that if a land-use plan is likely to have a significant effect, alone or in combination, on one or more European sites it must be subject to an 'appropriate assessment'. The Core Strategy is the ideal point at which to begin screening policies which may, alone or in combination, have a significant effect on a European site. This can then avoid the need for detailed repetition of the process for later documents.

Mr Mick Natural England Key evidence Question 3 We acknowledge and welcome the addition of the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Action Plan being Holding included in the list of key evidence. Mrs Lindsay Highways Key evidence Question 3 Encouraged that transport modelling is taking place and assume it is the wider Greater Manchester Alder Agency LDF modelling work. Once the outputs are known we would expect to see the Preferred Options reassessed to ensure that any sites emerging through can be supported by current and proposed infrastructure. The outputs should inform the transport evidence base which should underpin the emerging sites in terms of them coming forward on a sustainable basis whilst minimising the impact at the strategic route network. Mr Phil Lally Government Key evidence Question 3 There are evidence issues outstanding relating to: hHousing growth above the Regional Spatial Office for the Strategy requirement; constraints to housing land supply; justification for flexibility in employment land North West supply; Impact of proposals on highway network; and approach to flood risk assessment and range of options.

54 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Debra Holroyd 4NW Key evidence Question 3 In addition to the published Regional Spatial Strategy, consideration should be given to the current partial review. The draft submission document contains two new policies (L6 and L7) proposed for inclusion that deal with the accommodation needs for Gypsy & Traveller and Travelling Showpeople communities and a revision to an existing policy (Policy RT2) covering specific matters on Regional Car Parking Standards. You will no doubt also be aware of draft legislation which sets out the Government's plans for each region to develop a Regional Strategy that will be part of the development plan. In advance of the legislative framework, regional agencies are developing a non statutory version of the Regional Strategy for the Northwest.

Mobile Key evidence Question 3 No specific comments. It is important that there remains in place a telecommunications policy within Operators the emerging Local Development Framework, with criteria based policies that should be concise and Association flexible. Recognise that this is likely to be contained in a development control / management development plan document and we provide suggestions for policy and justification wording. Also suggest that this be a stand alone policy with any background information, such as electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and public health, being contained within a separate document. Mr Mark E N The Coal Key evidence Question 3 Paragraphs 5.1 & 5.2: omission - given the significant mining legacy and extent of remaining surface Harrison Authority coal resources in Wigan, the Coal Authority considers that the information we provided is a key source of evidence. Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Key evidence Question 3 Rather than using the phrase "transport modelling", suggest that, for clarity, should use "Modelling the transport impacts of the LDFs". The project has not yet been concluded so it is premature to make any foregone conclusions about the outcomes at this stage. Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Key evidence Question 3 The Local Transport Plan is a significant piece of evidence and it should be shown how this is linked to the land use planning process. Similarly the key evidence should take account of the Network Rail 'North West Route Utilisation Strategy'. PPG Industries Key evidence Question 3 Agree with the evidence base identified. (UK) 6. Spatial vision Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Spatial vision General Include a specific reference to the parks strategy at bullet point 5 as follows: "This means that we Turczynski and Culture response want to: improve our Conservation Areas and the wider built environment focusing on central areas of Trust Wigan, Hindley, Leigh and Tyldesley; deliver the borough-wide Parks and Green Spaces Strategy and the Greenheart regional park in the heart of the borough, and minimise carbon from energy use whilst recycling and reusing more of our waste." Ms Judith English Spatial vision General We agree with the vision that the best buildings of the past should be conserved and that new Nelson Heritage response development should be of high quality. However, it is also important to sustain local idenity and sense of place which is created by people's everyday surroundings. This vision should also refer to retaining and reinforcing the district local identities in the spatial portrait.

55 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Frank Spatial vision Question 4 There is a lack of car parking facilities at Bryn and Atherton stations. There is no Sunday service from Mokrysz Bryn. Public transport home from evening leisure trips to Manchester is impossible. Mr Frank Spatial vision Question 4 Your objectives are admirable and I believe you are already making good progress. Obesity and poor Mokrysz diet go hand-in-hand with many western lifestyles. Change may prove more difficult. Miss Stephanie Spatial vision Question 4 I drive to Newton le Willows to get the train to Manchester as this is much quicker than via Bryn or Young Wigan. It would be preferable to be able to cut out the car all together. I am pleased that some of the through-traffic will be diverted from Ashton town centre. I would also like to see more encouragement for children and their parents to walk to school - safer routes to school. Employment plans look good too and I am happy to see that all the leisure facilities and outdoor spaces will be maintained or improved. Reading the propoals made me feel more positive about the future of the borough.

Mr Bryan Atherton Spatial vision Question 4 Agree, in particular the need to tackle deprivation in Atherton and improve the supply of good quality Weddell Estates housing. Need to be open to and embrace not only housing development in Atherton but also commercial and retail based development proposals that improve the physical fabric of the urban area, generate employment and thereby stimulate economic benefits and enhance the environment

Cllr William Spatial vision Question 4 Deprivation can only be changed by an awakening of these areas to take a 'pride' in the environment. James Wilkes Even litter picking does something for an area that lazy people live in. Mr Bob Allen Groundwork Spatial vision Question 4 Support Lancashire West & Wigan Mr David Finch Lancashire Spatial vision Question 4 Agree with reference made to wildlife in this section and look forward to receiving a copy of the Wildlife Trust Biodiversity/Ecology study when it becomes available. Mr Ian Wray Northwest Spatial vision Question 4 No fundamental concerns. Welcome improving the supply of jobs in growth sectors through the Regional provision of attractive sites. Improving the supply of good quality housing should be an objective for Development the borough as a whole and suggest bullet point amended to read "improve the supply of good quality Agency housing, particularly in the inner areas of the borough..". Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Spatial vision Question 4 The vision should include a point on access for disabled people e.g. "The environment, public Committee buildings and educational facilities will be accessible to all." Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Spatial vision Question 4 Support the inclusion of cultural activities but in this context the word 'cultural' refers to sporting activities. There is more to 'culture' than playing fields etc and in view of the limited range of services and facilities identified in the Key Issues we suggest that non-physical cultural activities be included such as the provision of museums, libraries and cinemas which are equally important to the well- being of residents.

56 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Suzanne Greater Spatial vision Question 4 While the Spatial Vision highlights the need for "improved opportunities for wildlife", the list of actions Waymont Manchester (the final 5 bullet points) does not include any measures that will achieve this directly. Since specific Ecology Unit reference is given to improving conservation areas and the wider built environment, reference should be made to the wider natural environment; the need to protect and enhance the borough's biodiversity resource goes beyond just delivering the Greenheart Regional Park. By 2026 the loss of biodiversity should have been reversed, with the natural environment helping to deliver many of the other elements in the Spatial Vision (heath, sustainable communities, adapting to climate change etc). In addition there are no specific actions that will allow the borough to adapt to climate change.

Mr Ben McDyre Mcdyre & Co Spatial vision Question 4 Helping to make access to housing more affordable in outer areas of the Borough is supported. One key issue which needs to be faced is that the deliverability of housing to meet the strategic housing requirement set by the Regional Spatial Strategy will involve the release of some greenfield land for housing development. Perhaps this should be stated. Peel Spatial vision Question 4 Support much of the spatial vision and propose wording change to housing bullet point to reflect need Investments for good quality throughout the borough. (North) Ltd Jockey Club Spatial vision Question 4 Broadly support. The need to improve the supply of good quality housing should not be limited to the Racecourses inner areas of the borough as there is a recognised need for good quality throughout. Tesco Stores Spatial vision Question 4 Welcomed. The importance of retail in its achievement should not be underestimated as it can play Limited an important role in improving prosperity as a major employer. The careful location of retail facilities can assist in the achievement of both more sustainable communities and communities where people wish to live. Proximity to a range and quality of shopping facilities can be an important factor in encouraging people to locate to an area and then remain. Whilst travel by methods other than the private car should be encouraged, this is not practicable or desirable for most people such as their weekly/fortnightly shopping trips. Policy should not be such that this becomes harder and they therefore choose to shop elsewhere, outside Wigan in areas with greater car parking. So long as there is a choice of modes to access facilities, this should be considered acceptable.

Ms Cheryl Wigan & Leigh Spatial vision Question 4 Agree that we need to increase the supply of good quality housing in the inner areas of the borough, Foster Housing but do not feel the main focus should be to help deliver the infrastructure needed if proposed Company Ltd developments do not offer increased quality and addresses market imbalance within our communities. In order to successfully regenerate inner areas the requirements for improving infrastructure should be balanced with creating the right mixture of housing. Agree that we need to improve access to affordable homes, particularly in areas with a strong market. Mr John Coxon Emery Planning Spatial vision Question 4 Support the extension of the plan period beyond 2021, however, 2026 is not an appropriate end date - Partnership it should be extended to 2031. This will require a corresponding increase in the housing requirement in paragraph 5.2 of the emerging Core Strategy.

57 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Ms Theodora Spatial vision Question 4 Generally support. Provision of affordable housing in outer areas is supported. It will be a challenge to Hardy provide good quality housing in the inner areas and this approach is too restrictive. There is a need to provide a choice of locations for both affordable and market housing throughout the Borough and this should be reflected in the Spatial Vision. The need to provide for 'housing choice' both in terms of location and type should be given greater emphasis. Mrs Helen Environment Spatial vision Question 4 Sustainable management of water resources is crucial in ensuring development is sustainable. An Telfer Agency integrated approach towards the management of all aspects of the water cycle: demand, supply, quality and flooding should be adopted. This can be demonstrated via the water cycle study which would contribute to the monitoring and implementation of Sustainable Development Principles. Infrastructure capacity and provision is a priority for selecting housing sites. Earlier dialogue will allow for better planning /choice of sites that are able to absorb further development (water demand & sewerage). Mrs Helen Environment Spatial vision Question 4 No reference to improving the quality of the water environment. As noted in paragraph 3.49 of the Telfer Agency Natural Resources topic paper, water pollution has been identified as one of the key issues affecting three of the four 'Wigan Biodiversity Action Plan' species. Mr David Evans Wigan & Leigh Spatial vision Question 4 The spatial vision fails to make any comment regarding the spatial provision of healthcare services Health Services either at the acute or primary levels. It should be strengthened to state that the Council will encourage N H S Trust healthcare services in highly accessible locations and the enhancement of services on existing sites.

Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Spatial vision Question 4 Broad agreement. We can bring forward land for development and want to work with the Council to Homes do this. Mr Mick Natural England Spatial vision Question 4 Broadly welcome and acknowledge the inclusion of the reference to 'adapting to climate change'. Holding John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Spatial vision Question 4 Suggested criteria: "Wigan borough contributes its reasonable share of mineral resources to help Ltd secure and adequate and steady supply of minerals for the economy and society in line with the principles of sustainable development." Mr Andrew GVA Grimley Spatial vision Question 4 Support. The development of the West Leigh Canalside site can help to meet the objectives. Thompson Mrs Lindsay Highways Spatial vision Question 4 We cannot encourage sites and jobs to be located along the 'M6 motorway corridor' as this would Alder Agency impact upon the operation of the strategic route network. If evidence and Local Infrastructure Plan demonstrate that these sites can come forward on a sustainable basis, with the appropriate public transport and mitigating measures and phasing, then we would reassess. We are encouraged over the intention to locate employment sites within town centres and aspirations for sustainable travel. Mr Mark E N The Coal Spatial vision Question 4 The Spatial Vision would be improved with the inclusion of a reference to ensuring that new Harrison Authority development is safe and stable. Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Spatial vision Question 4 In the penultimate bullet point mention Liverpool, Preston and Southport as important destinations.

58 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response PPG Industries Spatial vision Question 4 Support the thrust of the vision. Greater emphasis should be given to the role mixed use development (UK) can play in achieving sustainable development including facilitiating employment on sites which would otherwise not be viable. Miss Alethea Greater Spatial vision Question 4 Suggest replacing 'whist recycling and reusing more of our waste' with 'managing our waste in Faulkner Manchester accordance with the waste hierarchy', (so as to include energy from waste.) Geological Unit 7. Strategic objectives and monitoring Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Strategic General Support objectives but consider changes should be made to Objective HR1 to make it more inclusive; Turczynski and Culture objectives and response Objective EL1 to include reference to increasing aspirations; and BEL1 to include reference to Trust monitoring maintaining and conserving countryside and forging a more positive sense of local identity.

Mrs Lindsay Highways Strategic General Encouraged that Wigan Council has decided to adopt one of the spatial options which would Alder Agency objectives and response potentially have a lesser impact upon the Strategic Road Network. monitoring Mr Derek Standish is Full Strategic Question 5 An indicator should show the percentage of new dwellings built outside the preferred spatial option Sidebotham objectives and area on previously developed land, in order to protect policy of developing 80% of new dwellings in monitoring preferred spatial option area. Mr Colin Lane Head Strategic Question 5 The statements in BEL 1 - 3 seem resolute but each time these are put to the test development is Johnson South objectives and given priority and green belt is sacrificed. Residents monitoring Group Cllr Brian Strategic Question 5 Parks should be considered as providing a "lung" within the community, providing a range of different Finnigan objectives and facilities. monitoring Cllr Brian Strategic Question 5 Keeping communities involved and informed as to progress achieved by plan is of prime importance Finnigan objectives and considering the use of internet, radio, etc. monitoring Cllr William Strategic Question 5 HR1 Let the communities improve their own environment to reduce the dependency on Society and James Wilkes objectives and Social Welfare. Area gardening clubs. monitoring Cllr William Strategic Question 5 NQ1 More provision for Youth in ALL Townships, more skate parks, tennis courts, netball courts. James Wilkes objectives and Alternative activities for youths monitoring Cllr William Strategic Question 5 Accessibility 7.11 Main Line access at Atherton for London and Glasgow. Guided Bus way is a White James Wilkes objectives and Elephant monitoring

59 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Cllr William Strategic Question 5 A4: Introduce NORTHBOUND access top M6 at junction 25. Let Standish, Orrell and Ashton be free James Wilkes objectives and of congestion. Complete the A49 Ince and loop back to Wigan. Access required via Aspull to M61 monitoring Westhoughton. Mr Bob Allen Groundwork Strategic Question 5 E1: There needs to be a greater emphasis on behavioural change as it is only be changing Lancashire objectives and consumption patterns that we will make a substantial difference to energy consumption within the West & Wigan monitoring Borough. Mr Bob Allen Groundwork Strategic Question 5 Para 7.17: it is disappointing that the strategic objective for climate change is so limited in scope only Lancashire objectives and to new development. West & Wigan monitoring Mr Bob Allen Groundwork Strategic Question 5 Under the section on housing (7.9) there is a strong emphasis on new housing and new Lancashire objectives and developments. There will be a large proportion of existing housing stock and we would support a West & Wigan monitoring greater emphasis for enhancing the sustainability of this. Mr David Finch Lancashire Strategic Question 5 Agree with Objectives WHS 1 and 2 and NRP 8. NRP 4 should be changed to: "To conserve the Wildlife Trust objectives and integrity of mossland habitats in the south of the borough and prevent further peat extraction beyond monitoring existing licences". Mr Ian Wray Northwest Strategic Question 5 A more focused shortlist of 'high level' objectives would improve the clarity of the strategy. Objectives Regional objectives and EE1 and EE3 might benefit from further clarification. The agency question whether EE4 is sufficiently Development monitoring strategic, EE5 could be combined with RC1 to form a single objective and EE6 is welcomed. Agency Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 5 NQ1: Lack of Road Safety is just as important as safety from crime and causes more injuries and Committee objectives and deaths. It is significantly affected by the design of the built environment. monitoring Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 5 Objective CD3. We like the principle but think it should include a reference to street / road layout and Committee objectives and facilities (e.g. crossings) as this is vitally important to the mobility of disabled people. monitoring Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 5 Objective CD4. We particularly like the clear objective and the direct way it is stated Committee objectives and monitoring Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 5 Objective H5. We have some reservation about the use of older housing as stated and suggest it Committee objectives and should be made clear that this will be brought up to the latest access standards. There seems to be monitoring some contradiction with H6. Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 5 Objective RC1. This should be changed to "To ensure continued investment in town centres, Committee objectives and improving their attractiveness, convenience and accessibility to residents, visitors and businesses." monitoring Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 5 Objective BEL3. It should be made clear that any re-use of existing buildings will require them to be Committee objectives and brought up to current standards of accessibility. monitoring

60 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 5 Objective BEL4. Fully agree. Committee objectives and monitoring Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Strategic Question 5 Cultural activities in this document relate only to sport in HR1. Support Objective EE5 but the policies objectives and do not include a strategy for cultural development in town centres. monitoring Suzanne Greater Strategic Question 5 In particular, welcome objectives: HR1, BEL 1, WHS 1, WHS 2, NRP 3 and NRP 7. However, CC1 is Waymont Manchester objectives and rather limited. Adapting to climate change requires more than requiring new development to "tackle Ecology Unit monitoring the threat of climate change". As a general point all of the spatial policies need to refer to WHS1 and not just WHS2. Peel Barton Strategic Question 5 Generally support but suggest an additional objective reflecting general direction of development. The Investments Willmore objectives and last part of CD1 should make reference to Tyldesley and Astley, which include pockets of deprivation. (North) Ltd monitoring Jockey Club Strategic Question 5 There is lack of an objective dealing with general location of development and recommend an Racecourses objectives and additional strategic objective is drafted to address this, this would accord with national policy, monitoring particularly PPS1 and PPS3. Tesco Stores Strategic Question 5 There should be consistency across RC2 to RC6, all but RC4 for Ashton saying 'maintain and Limited objectives and enhance', with Ashton just saying 'enhance'. The same emphasis should be placed on all centres, as monitoring 'maintaining' centres would not achieve the overall objectives. Kingmoor Park Strategic Question 5 The BBP site in Leigh should be released as an employment site in the context of objective EE2. objectives and Agree with EE4 but it should go further and state that parts of sites should be released and capture in monitoring value should be considered on a site-by-site basis. Ms Theodora Strategic Question 5 The strategic objectives are generally supported and provide the basis for the delivery of the spatial Hardy objectives and vision. Objective BEL 2 should recognise the removal of land at the Bell, Lamberhead Green to monitoring provide a key strategic site. Mr David Evans Wigan & Leigh Strategic Question 5 Support objectives HR1 & HR2 as they accord with the aims of the Trust. Health Services objectives and N H S Trust monitoring

Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Strategic Question 5 Concern regarding suggestion that an average residential density of 40 dwelling per hectare is to be Homes objectives and achieved. Market for higher density / 'apartment led' residential development will continue to be monitoring depressed and It would be more realistic to plan for a lower average density. Monier Ltd Strategic Question 5 Support objective EE1. Employment sites not viable for modern employment use should be released objectives and for alternative uses. Also support objective H1 and H2 that prioritise housing development on monitoring previously developed land and close to employment, services and facilities.

61 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Mick Natural England Strategic Question 5 Broadly agree with the objectives and monitoring indicators set and acknowledge and welcome the Holding objectives and additions and amendments made following our comments on the previous consultation. monitoring John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Strategic Question 5 Amend objective NRP5 to confirm that Wigan contributes its reasonable share of mineral resources, Ltd objectives and to ensure consistency with Policy CP15. monitoring Mr Andrew GVA Grimley Strategic Question 5 We support the strategic objectives identified. In particular, we consider that the West Leigh Thompson objectives and Canalside site could meet the following particular objectives: CD1, H2, RC3, A4, WHS2 and NRP7. monitoring Mr Mark E N The Coal Strategic Question 5 Support Objective NRP 5 Harrison Authority objectives and monitoring Mr Mark E N The Coal Strategic Question 5 BEL 1 would benefit from the additional wording: "tackling remaining areas of dereliction; ensuring Harrison Authority objectives and public spaces are safe and stable; conserving and enhancing" to show commitment to addressing the monitoring mining legacy in the area and addressing public safety in areas of open space. Mr Mark E N The Coal Strategic Question 5 The following wording should be added to NRP2: "To tackle pollution and ground stability problems; to Harrison Authority objectives and show commitment to addressing land stability in accordance with PPG14. monitoring Mr Mark E N The Coal Strategic Question 5 Objective H 1 should make reference to prioritisation of appropriate previously developed land, as not Harrison Authority objectives and all of previously developed land will be appropriate for development. monitoring Mr Chris Salford City Strategic Question 5 Support objective NRP 4. Findley Council objectives and monitoring CBRE Investors Strategic Question 5 Agree with strategic objectives. In Objective EE2, it must be realised that modernisation can be costly objectives and and unviable unless financial security can be gained from the redevelopment of parts of existing sites monitoring which are poor quality or under utilised for higher value uses. Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Strategic Question 5 Objective A1 is in line with our own objectives. objectives and monitoring Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Strategic Question 5 A2: Greater Manchester Transport Fund has a small budget for station improvement, but nothing for objectives and heavy rail services. The Government has announced that the Manchester Airport - Piccadilly - monitoring Preston - Scotland route will be electrified and run via Wigan instead of Bolton / Chorley. Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Strategic Question 5 Whilst we are supportive of the principle in this objective, to improve bus access to the rail network, objectives and there are some concerns as to how it will be achieved in practice, unless the services can be provided monitoring comercially.

62 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response PPG Industries Strategic Question 5 Agree with Economy and Employment Objectives. EE1 should recognise that there is a need to (UK) objectives and provide high quality infrastructure to deliver such sites. The objectives should recognise that it is monitoring important that high quality sites should be promoted that are attractive to the market. Support objectives A3 and A4, however A4 should recognise the need to improve accessibility and convenience to encourage employment opportunities. Objective WHS1 should recognise fully that designated habitats should be reviewed on a regular basis. Cllr Brian Strategic Question 6 Yes, the strategic objectives are right. Keeping communities involved and informed as to progress is Finnigan objectives and of prime importance using modern technologies to keep in touch. monitoring Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Strategic Question 6 Concern at the number of indicators (90+) and the strength of linkage between the spatial strategy Turczynski and Culture objectives and and the indicators varies. Recommend a different title for the term "National Indicator" where they are Trust monitoring not part of the set NI 1 - NI 199. Cllr William Strategic Question 6 Monitoring of bus routes and services do not improve the preferred option of car use, nor the much James Wilkes objectives and needed increase in the Motor Trade. monitoring Cllr William Strategic Question 6 Monitoring to include cost of premises, rental, leases. Too many new ventures have folded due to James Wilkes objectives and high costs. monitoring Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 6 Community Development Objectives should include key Road Safety measurements and surveys on Committee objectives and ease and safety of negotiating streets by people with disability. Should also consider a measure of monitoring disabled people involved in road safety incidents. Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 6 Education and Learning - there should be extra indicators for % of people with disabilities in Committee objectives and employment / education and if possible their educational attainment. monitoring Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 6 Economy and Employment, suggest add % of people with disabilities in professional / managerial Committee objectives and jobs, and % of people with disabilities claiming benefit under the heading of economy and monitoring enployment. Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Strategic Question 6 There should be a measure by regular sample audit of street clutter and a measure of enforcement / Committee objectives and advice activity under BEL 4. monitoring Mrs Helen Environment Strategic Question 6 Does not appear to be any indicator for water quality to assess objective NRP. Environment Agency Telfer Agency objectives and has data for chemical and biological status for watercourses within the borough. Under aspirations of monitoring the Water Framework Directive there should be no deterioration in the classification status of aquatic ecosystems. High levels of fly tipping incidents within the borough. (2006 - 2007 4,143; 2007 - 2008 3,891 incidents). The borough has the higher end of incidents compared to other boroughs within the north west for asbestos, drummed hazardous waste and construction and demolition waste.

63 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Strategic Question 6 Have considered the strategic objectives for housing in the Borough and the Indicators the Council is Homes objectives and proposing to use to monitor the satisfaction of the Objectives, and think they are right. monitoring Mr Mick Natural England Strategic Question 6 Broadly agree with the objectives and monitoring indicators set. There is a typing error in the second Holding objectives and bullet of the 'monitoring our wildlife habitats and species objectives' section. monitoring Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Strategic Question 6 The following statistics are a useful source of information and are being updated - objectives and http://www.gmtu.gov.uk/reports/transport2007.htm monitoring 9. Our preferred spatial policies Mr Ian Davies Our preferred General In Wigan town centre any monies should be spent, with a degree of urgency, in tackling the spatial policies response disgraceful appearance of the centre around the old town hall, MFI, Brocol House, old police station and swimming pool area. Wigan appears as one of the ugliest towns in the north when approaching the centre either from Hindley or Poolstock. Any talk of development or regeneration is complete nonsense until the council gets a grip on its own properties (MFI and Brocol House excepted of course) and either redevelops them or demolishes them. Mr James Lees Our preferred General Support Leigh Guided Busway. The powers of land acquisition expire five years after it came into spatial policies response force. In other words, land acquisition would have to commence by 3rd August 2010. I am keen that our council should make the busway a priority - it seems to have benefits for the whole of the east of the borough. Mr James Lees Our preferred General Favour some kind of resurrection of the A5225 road scheme but would not like to see this done like spatial policies response the Leigh bypass, with so many adjacent retail developments and sets of lights that it becomes a slow route. Mr Michael Our preferred General Support an east-west road link across the Borough. Martin spatial policies response Mr Brian Our preferred General Link through East of Atherton would exacerbate traffic problems. Extension of Atherleigh Way to M61 Cleworth spatial policies response or A6 needed. Extension to Chanters Industrial Estate not needed. Mr David United Utilities Our preferred General With regard to Policy SP1, seeking to establish a Community Infrastructure Levy, ask that CIL is not Hardman spatial policies response levied on the actual provision of infrastructure itself. Monier Ltd Our preferred General Support the main focus of development. spatial policies response Langtree Group Our preferred General Support the spatial strategy but it should include Astley and Tyldesley. The table indicating the Plc spatial policies response percentage distribution of housing development by townships is too rigid and inflexible and should be replaced with guiding principles for townships.

64 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Wigan Borough Ms Ann Jones Our preferred Question 7 To my horror, Aspull is earmarked for future low level development. What does this mean, where is spatial policies this development going to be and how will it affect the green belt. The great joy of living in Aspull is its green spaces. Surely Wigan Council isn't going to cover Aspull's green spaces in concrete?

Roy Bridge Our preferred Question 7 Does "limited" development in Shevington mean the MEDS created by the removal of Shevington spatial policies High and the Orica site? Neither of these sites could be considered sustainable and the road system is totally inadequate. HGV's are now using Wigan Road as the norm, rather than the exeption because of the over development of Standish and the traffic through Pemberton. For Orica site, we get the statement regarding it being made a MEDS in the UDP that: "He (the inspector) also added the Orica site" - on who's instructions? Where can I find this information? David Lea Our preferred Question 7 Supports subject to: - Capital investment must be matched by revenue expenditure. - Wigan town spatial policies centre must not be the overriding priority. - Specific issues around Leigh town centre. - Some issues outside the focus for development need to be addressed. Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 7 Disappointed that little or no development is proposed for Orrell and Billinge Township. Finnigan spatial policies Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 7 Achieves the best balance of development focus, with emphasis on improvements to accessibility, Turczynski and Culture spatial policies learning and the green infrastructure Trust Mr Bryan Atherton Our preferred Question 7 Broadly correct - seeking to direct development towards Atherton would be beneficial. The Atherton Weddell Estates spatial policies Mill site can and should be redeveloped and regenerated. However concerned about the proposed introduction of a community infrastructure levy, unless such a levy were to be targeted in to avoid development in the east-west core. Cllr William Our preferred Question 7 Inner town centre has been developed at the cost of fringe areas of the Borough. Galleries and the James Wilkes spatial policies Grand Arcade, soon the Grand Tower and the One Stop facilities, the Wigan Pier Quarter are all at the cost of developing areas such as HIndley, Ashton, Atherton, Astley and Leigh. Mr David Finch Lancashire Our preferred Question 7 Agree with paragraph 9.19. Wildlife Trust spatial policies Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 7 Support but have concerns over inclusion of Green Belt in key diagram. Regional spatial policies Development Agency Mr Simon Bolton Council Our preferred Question 7 The focussing of development on the 'east-west core' and restricting it elsewhere is compatible with Godley spatial policies Bolton's own emerging approach of focussing development in Bolton town centre, inner areas of Bolton and Farnworth, and in the case of employment development, along the M61 corridor. The identification of 10 priority areas and strategic sites for development is also compatible with Bolton's own emerging approach.

65 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Ben McDyre Mcdyre & Co Our preferred Question 7 Conditionally support. However that the Preferred Option should be extended to include Golborne. spatial policies Richard Frudd Prudential P.I.M Our preferred Question 7 Support but reference should be made to the importance of Robin Park Retail Park. spatial policies Peel Our preferred Question 7 Supports but those parts of Tyldesley within the east-west core should form a single continuous area. Investments spatial policies (North) Ltd Longcourten Our preferred Question 7 Standish should be included in the area where development is to be focused. Developments spatial policies Jockey Club Our preferred Question 7 Support policy but clarification sought on how the figures in the table on page 74 have been arrived at. Racecourses spatial policies Believes Ashton is capable of accommodating more housing development. Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 7 Broadly support. However, development in other areas should not be resisted if a need can be Limited spatial policies demonstrated, especially given the desire for the delivery of sustainable communities. Barry King Greater Our preferred Question 7 The preferred option is the best in terms of accessibility. Manchester spatial policies Joint Transportation Policy Team Orica UK Our preferred Question 7 Supports. However, there are also opportunities to direct some new development towards areas spatial policies outwith the core, such as Shevington, which have strong public transport and economic activity links with Wigan town centre Kingmoor Park Our preferred Question 7 There must not be an over-reliance on the private sector to provide infrastructure funding. A spatial policies community infrastructure levy has the potential to stifle the delivery of development and will not be appropriate in all cases. We agree that sites should be considered positively where they will substantially improve the quality of economic development, rather than simply the quantity (in land use terms). Furthermore we support the objective to bring forward sufficient land to meet housing needs on previously-developed and degraded land in locations that will support the delivery of economic development, such as at Bridgewater Business Park. Mr John Coxon Emery Planning Our preferred Question 7 Object to this policy and subsequent policies that will restrict housing and employment development in Partnership spatial policies Standish. The option to disperse development across the borough would be the most appropriate strategy. It would provides the council with the necessary flexibility to provide housing and employment land across the Borough. The preferred option would rule out areas which are attractive to the market, which may not then deliver the necessary homes. Mr John Coxon Emery Planning Our preferred Question 7 It is necessary to allocate land within Standish for development. We therefore propose the allocation Partnership spatial policies of the land at Rectory Lane.

66 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Ms Theodora Our preferred Question 7 Support - this approach achieves the strategic objectives with the potential to deliver the spatial Hardy spatial policies vision. Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 7 We are unable to endorse the Preferred Options until the SFRA is complete . Telfer Agency spatial policies Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 7 With regard to the sites at North Leigh, South of Hindley and Westleigh Canalside, all of these sites Telfer Agency spatial policies 'drain' into the Pennington Brook system. All will contribute to increased surface water run-off (either volume or rate) in this system. Pennington Flash and its associated nature reserve already suffers from significant fluctuations in water level due to a combination of factors, including increased run-off from developments upstream. These developments will all have the potential to increase the problems encountered at this site, contrary to Policy CP12. Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 7 Some strategic sites have small areas of flood risk or could be at risk of flooding from other sources. Telfer Agency spatial policies Information must be sought from the level 2 SFRA to confirm whether they can be suitably developed. Once the SFRA is complete and the sequential test satisfied, we would expect that the sequential approach is applied at the site level (i.e. putting the most vulnerable uses in areas of lowest risk) - Paragraph 17, PPS25. Mr David Evans Wigan & Leigh Our preferred Question 7 Paragraph 9.10 needs to be strengthened to ensure support for major developments to meet Health Services spatial policies healthcare needs. Could you also incorporate a statement which indicates that the expansion and N H S Trust improvement of healthcare provision on existing sites will be supported?

Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Our preferred Question 7 Broad agreement. However disagree with the suggestion that the level of new housing development Homes spatial policies in Standish, Aspull & Shevington should be restricted to that suggested in the table under paragraph 9.15. Peter Rowe Ashton, Leigh & Our preferred Question 7 Broadly welcome as there is a broad correlation between this choice and the areas suffering the Wigan Primary spatial policies greatest health inequalities. Care Trust

Mr Justin Cove BNP Paribas Our preferred Question 7 Should include reference to Cutacre in addition to other major centres for employment as it could Real Estate spatial policies provide major opportunities and have a significant impact upon the working patterns of residents in the east of the borough. Monier Ltd Our preferred Question 7 Support but employment sites not close to M6 and M61 should be released for other uses. spatial policies Sainsbury's Our preferred Question 7 Support. Supermarkets spatial policies Ltd

67 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 7 Each spatial policy should properly acknowledge the need subsequently to assess potential for Holding spatial policies impacts to biodiversity in line with legislation, including the Habitats Regulations. Need clarification of apparent inconsistency in statements included as part of SP5, SP8 and SP11, where the Sustainability Appraisal has concluded that there may be adverse impacts on wildlife but it is stated later that the policy would aid in delivering against the strategic objectives for wildlife.

John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 7 Request that criterion 2 be not applied to minerals development. Request clarification of operation of Ltd spatial policies Community Infrastructure Levy. Suggest rewording of para. 9.22. Mr Andrew GVA Grimley Our preferred Question 7 Support - particularly 11th bullet point to 'identify key strategic sites at Westleigh Canalside'. This Thompson spatial policies helps to demonstrate the importance of the Westleigh Canalside site in delivering the overall vision and provides a strong foundation for the subsequent inclusion of Policy SP8. However request that the name of the site is altered to 'West Leigh Canalside'. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 7 Encouraged by Policy SP1 as it aims to locate development in accessible and sustainable locations. Alder Agency spatial policies Policy initiatives that aim to locate development within 'town centres and adjacent areas' are welcome. Mr Ben Cushman and Our preferred Question 7 Support Wigan Town Centre, Wigan South Central and the Bell as priorities for investment. Wrighton Wakefield spatial policies Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 7 The east-west core concept is not particularly helpful and could give rise to confusion regarding Office for the spatial policies spatial priorities. It is suggested that the policy should focus on the four spatial priority areas together North West with any other areas/sites where development of a strategic nature is being proposed and that the east-west core concept is removed. The rest of the policy generally provides a good expression of spatial priorities and that it will be a good starting point for the development of the core strategy.

Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 7 The 'preferred spatial policies' are generally in line with the Regional Spatial Strategy. However we spatial policies would like to emphasise the importance of taking into consideration the Regional Spatial Strategy Spatial Framework. JG Boardman Our preferred Question 7 New housing should be distributed more widely throughout the borough. The site at Rothwells Farm spatial policies offers potential for attractive private and affordable housing development with no access or infrastructure constraints CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 7 Support but also wish to have it recognised that the redevelopment of other sites can help to deliver spatial policies the preferred option. Louise Gerald Eve LLP Our preferred Question 7 A site at Pocket Nook should be allocated as a key strategic site for residential and employment Armstrong spatial policies development. Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 7 It is important that the Community Infrastructure Levy (mentioned) is used to contribute to public spatial policies transport improvements. PPG Industries Our preferred Question 7 Support but it should recognise the contribution of brownfield land in the urban area and give greater (UK) spatial policies priority to the delivery of east-west transport infrastructure.

68 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Wigan town centre David Lea Our preferred Question 8 Wigan Town Centre must not be the priority over everything else, as in the last thirty years. Some spatial policies further developments are needed, particularly regarding transport infrastructure but resources should be spread more equally around the borough. Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 8 Policy achieves greater integration with the surrounding area, in particularly providing emphasis on Turczynski and Culture spatial policies enhancing accessibility links with Mesnes Parks and promotion of a new civic quarter. Trust Cllr William Our preferred Question 8 Providing the Spatial Policy for the Borough (SP1) does not fall further behind at the cost of intense James Wilkes spatial policies infrastructure in the Town Centre. Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 8 An additional bullet point should be included relating to historic built environment. Wigan Town Centre Nelson Heritage spatial policies is a conservation area at risk. Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Our preferred Question 8 Support paragraphs 9.37 and 9.41 but note that there is no strategy to improve the cultural offer in spatial policies Wigan or any other town centre. Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 8 Support. Further maps of other centres should be included, not just Wigan. Limited spatial policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 8 Support. Development in this location should benefit from existing and proposed infrastructure, with Alder Agency spatial policies the intention within Policy SP2 to enhance non-car links. Mr Ben Cushman and Our preferred Question 8 Support in principle but significance of improving non-car routes between the town centre and Wrighton Wakefield spatial policies destinations such as Robin Park should be explained. It should be clear how the council intends to deliver the strategy for the town centre. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 8 Is it the intention to redraw the boundary of the primary shopping area to accommodate any forecast Office for the spatial policies growth in retail expenditure or can this be accommodated within the existing boundary. Will allocation North West S1C be incorporated within PSA? Wigan South Central Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 9 Will enhance the links to the green infrastructure and the culture offer at the Wigan Pier Quarter and Turczynski and Culture spatial policies the sport and leisure facilities at Robin Park. Trust Cllr William Our preferred Question 9 Junction 25 of the M6 motorway needs northbound access. There is too much emphasis on new James Wilkes spatial policies units. These new units can be built in Pemberton and Lamberhead Green. A new road access is not necessary at this point. Rebuild on brownfield sites. Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 9 It is not clear where the road schemes mentioned are and what any potential environmental impact Nelson Heritage spatial policies might be. Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 9 Wigan South Central is now confirmed as an additional strategic regional site. Policy SP3 covers a Regional spatial policies much wider area than that shown on the indicative plan included as part of the NWDA's recent Development consultation exercise. Whilst we support the identification of Wigan South Central as a location for Agency regionally significant economic development within the Core Strategy, its precise boundary will need to be agreed. We therefore wish to reserve our position.

69 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 9 Support but question why the Flashes has been included in an area that is promoted for regionally Waymont Manchester spatial policies significant economic development. Ecology Unit Richard Frudd Prudential P.I.M Our preferred Question 9 Support broad principles where they relate to Newtown and Robin Park. However, as the existing spatial policies complementary role of Robin Park Retail Park sometimes involves overlapping uses or developments to those found within the town centre without any detriment to this relationship, it is recommended that the words "distinct but" are removed from the policy. Wider policy tests and considerations would be sufficient to ensure that no harm to the vitality and viability of the town centre would occur as a result. The requirement for uses to be distinct places an arbitrary and unreasonable constraint on the future role of the retail park. Given the positive role that the retail park could play in developing a sustainable community in Wigan South Central, it would be far more appropriate to afford it greater policy status, i.e. within the retail hierarchy of the borough, which would better enable it to achieve this role in a controlled and well-planned manner. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 9 Support the intention to locate development within Wigan South Central and Wigan Pier as both are Alder Agency spatial policies linked to Wigan town centre via sustainable modes, with the potential for these to be enhanced through other spatial policies. The intentions to improve links should be based on a sound transport evidence base supported by a Local Infrastructure Plan. With regard to the proposed new access from Junction 26 of the M6 motorway to the A49 via Pemberton Park, the Agency recommends that the Council undertakes analysis of a range of transport options as part of the transport evidence base / Local Infrastructure Plan to determine the most suitable and sustainable option. Until this has been undertaken, the Agency cannot encourage any development proposals linked to this infrastructure provision. Any extensions or redevelopment of existing employment areas should be supported by the transport evidence base and in the Local Infrastructure Plan to demonstrate that they can be delivered sustainably and with the appropriate public transport and slow modes infrastructure.

Mr Ben Cushman and Our preferred Question 9 Support. In respect of Robin Park, the policy should allow sufficient flexibility for the asset to respond Wrighton Wakefield spatial policies to fluctuating market conditions and to avoid any decline in commercial performance. Suggest alternative wording in the first bullet point under 'Newtown and Robin Park' to read "uses and development that is complementary to Wigan's town centre and any planned investment". The policy should also provide more flexibility for the fringe areas of Robin Park. We would therefore omit the words "housing-led" unless there is clear justification for including this.

70 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 9 Has the inclusion of Wigan Pier Quarter within the town centre been considered as the proposals Office for the spatial policies would seem to focus on employment, leisure, tourism and cultural uses that would be appropriate for North West a town centre? It is unclear what types of employment are being promoted in Westwood Park, Pemberton Park and Newtown and Robin Park. There is a need to ensure that the approach is consistent with national planning policy. Paragraph 9.51 says that the preferred approach for Wigan South Central supports the approach set out in the Wigan South Centre Masterplan. Does the Masterplan contain details of how the preferred approach will be implemented?

The Bell, Lamberhead Green Ruth Wigan Group, Our preferred Question 10 There are 2 well used public footpaths on the site including the definitive path Orrell 14. The open Duckworth Ramblers' spatial policies space nature of the locality will be radically changed. We are concerned that the loss of Green Belt Association land without replacement is considered acceptable and could set a dangerous precedent. There are large areas of Brownfield land in the borough which could be used instead. CS Billson Longport Group Our preferred Question 10 Object and consider that phase 3 at Gibfield Park is more appropriate for employment development. It spatial policies does not accord with the strategy of directing development towards the east-west core and, as a large area at one end of the borough, does not meet employment needs across the whole borough. We question the site's deliverability as it is a large area in multiple ownerships, has high levels of objections, and requires the development of a new relief road. Also, sufficient exceptional circumstances to release land at Green Belt may not exist. Gibfield is more appropriate as it would meet identified employment need and address multiple deprivation in Atherton, has existing infrastructure and is readily deliverable. There is now a stronger policy and evidence base in support of Gibfield phase 3 than when it was deemed unsuitable by the Inspector. The site which will deliver jobs in an area of need should be considered afresh and not dismissed because of the Inspectors conclusions at the time of the Replacement UDP. Arndale Vincent & Our preferred Question 10 Support. The infrastructure associated will represent a significant benefit to the existing industrial Properties Gorbing spatial policies areas around Martland park and Heinz. The link road will provide much improved access to the motorway on which logistics clearly relies. It will yield environmental and amenity benefits for a large number of residential properties. However, the policy should be more specific in terms of phasing and the timing of delivery. If the infrastructure cannot be delivered prior to development the policy should ensure that the Masterplan states that the infrastructure will be delivered as early as possible in the development process. R Marsden Abraham Guest Our preferred Question 10 The proposal demonstrates disdain for the amenity value of green belt land and for the negative High School spatial policies influence of its 'industrialisation' on the perceptions of young people. It will increase noise, pollution and traffic in the area. Many students walk from the area west of the M6 and will have yet another safety hazard to deal with as a result of the proposed junction.

71 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Miss Devan UKYP Our preferred Question 10 The development will impact the young people of Wigan in negative way. Why build an eco-school Lucas spatial policies and then surround it with an industrial estate. The increased noise, congestion and number of roads will pose a grave health risk to pupils attending local schools. Located adjacent to the motorway, the businesses are more likely to recruit people from outside Wigan rather than local people. A site closer to Wigan town centre might be a better option. As young people we will eventually inherit the environment you create, once you have destroyed one piece of green belt what will stop you continuing? Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 10 The location of the site is of concern as it has the potential to impact upon the operation and safety of Alder Agency spatial policies the strategic road network. If the site is supported by the appropriate transport evidence base and sustainable infrastructure to reduce the development trip burden, the site may be able to come forward. It needs to have been assessed within the LDF model currently being undertaken. Mr Ben Cushman and Our preferred Question 10 Support on the basis that it will be able to attract significant job growth and new housing to the west Wrighton Wakefield spatial policies side of Wigan which would be complimentary to Wigna South Central. It is also an important element of securing the necessary highway / public transport improvments to west Wigan. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 10 The extent to which the proposals for office development are consistent with national planning policy Office for the spatial policies will need to be explored further. The mechanisms for delivery are vague and more detailed North West information about infrastructure requirements and implementation will be necessary. In order to allocate the site as a strategic site it needs to be clear in the Core Strategy who will provide the infrastructure and when it will be provided. Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 10 RDF 4 states that there is no need for any exceptional substantial strategic change to Green Belt and spatial policies its boundaries in Greater Manchester before 2011. After 2011 the presumption will be against substantial change. It will be difficult to make the case that the Bell would not represent "exceptional substantial strategic change." Therefore consideration should be given to identifying this as a broad location rather than a strategic site in the Core strategy. The site could then be included in later DPDs should its removal from Green Belt be supported by a future strategic review.

Andrew DTZ Our preferred Question 10 Support its inclusion as a key strategic site but have reservations as to whether the necessary Thomson spatial policies infrastructure can be delivered if it is to be pursued for 100% employment uses, especially as the future of the Community Infrastructure Levy is somewhat uncertain. In order to help ensure its deliverability we suggest that an element of residential development is considered. Taylor Wimpey are willing to act collaboratively with the Council and other landowners to ensure delivery. Tom Miles Homes and Our preferred Question 10 The linkages with the near by M6 make it an attractive investment site for the local job creation. Communities spatial policies Agency Mr Andrew Our preferred Question 10 Object to the "preferred option" for 'The Bell, Lamberhead Green': Major employment development on Crookston spatial policies extensive Green Belt land.

72 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Rupert Hardy Our preferred Question 10 Support for reasons including reduced traffic congestion, enhanced opportunities for employment, spatial policies increase public access and recreational opportunities, landscaping and woodland which will provide greater wildlife habitat and buffer M6 noise, and the provision of allotments. These are great improvements and a very positive use of this land that is already developed with housing and the M6 on 70% of its boundaries. St Helens St Helens Our preferred Question 10 Sufficient evidence is needed to demonstrate site is crucial to delivery of overall strategy and these Council Council spatial policies needs cannot be met from with the urban area. Its development could detract from the redevelopment of existing constrained sites in the urban area. There isn't sufficient justification for the site's release from Green Belt. Its location adjacent to the motorway in close proximity to a junction is not a unique characteristic and could jeopardise the protection of other similar parcels of land. The site currently forms an important wedge of open land. Whilst the motorway forms a physical boundary between Orrell and Kitt Green, visually they would become one urban area and would intensify the outer urban boundary in this location. The justification for Green Belt release fails to fully address the negative impacts identified in the Sustainability Appraisal. Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 10 The ponds should be retained with specific reference made to them in the spatial policy, e.g. the Waymont Manchester spatial policies reference to "other landscaping around the fringes of the site" could mention the ponds. The ponds Ecology Unit will need surveys for protected species prior to any application and this should ideally take place before the site is allocated for development. Specific reference is needed for the need to provide biodiversity enhancements within any development in line with the requirements of PPS9 and the biodiversity targets in the RSS. Barry King Greater Our preferred Question 10 The Bell is the least accessible strategic site and requires a considerable level of transport Manchester spatial policies infrastructure to make the entire site accessible. Joint Transportation Policy Team Ms Theodora Our preferred Question 10 Support in principle release from Green Belt and designation as key strategic site. Cost of delivering Hardy spatial policies link road significant and not capable of being funded from development principally for employment purposes, variety of sources needed. Scope for further development within the site. No justification for 40% of the site to be shown for public open space, landscaping etc. Scope to incorporate both affordable and market housing by reducing area earmarked for open space. Any decision on this key site needs to weigh the wider community benefits arising from the following:- provision of a strategic employment site in a location that will attract inward investment and provide new jobs in a highly accessible location; benefits for the existing employment sites at the Heinz complex, Martland Park Industrial Estate and Robin Park through improved access from the M6; benefits of the removal of industrial traffic from the existing local road network.

73 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Ms Theodora Our preferred Question 10 Support for reasons including reduced traffic congestion, enhanced opportunities for employment, Hardy spatial policies increase public access and recreational opportunities, landscaping and woodland which will provide greater wildlife habitat and buffer M6 noise, and the provision of allotments. Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 10 This large area drains down to Ackhurst Brook, which flows to the River Douglas. The effect of a Telfer Agency spatial policies development with a large impermeable area on these watercourses will need careful consideration. Surface water run off will require restricting to existing rates or less to ensure that major capacity problems are not created. As this site is currently Greenfield consideration of the impacts on flooding from surface water is key. The biodiversity value of this site should be assessed and safeguarded, prior to development. We have no recent species records on this site, however there are 2 ponds within the site and there are historical water vole records in the area. Mr Bob Allen Groundwork Our preferred Question 10 There are strong arguments in terms of the site's potential for economic development. Concerns Lancashire spatial policies about the junction off the motorway; the access road from roundabouts to the A577 is narrow and West & Wigan currently at peak times is congested- can this be widened? Will additional green space be created? If this development goes ahead need to ensure that the landscape engineering is such that it minimises intrusion for local residents who have felt protected by Green Belt status. Gerrie Willox The Campaign Our preferred Question 10 Object as contrary to the objectives set in the core policies, PPG2, PPS1, PPS7, PPS9, RSS Policies to Protect Rural spatial policies RDF4, DP1 and DP2-9 and UDP policies and objectives. The site is not within the list of 35 NWDA England(Lanca strategic regional sites and not mentioned within the Strategic Masterplan for Wigan South Central shire Branch) (an area identified as a strategic regional site).

Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 10 To justify removal of Green Belt the Council need to demonstrate that employment land requirements Regional spatial policies cannot be accommodated on other sites, including areas of safeguarded land. The exceptional Development circumstances set out suggest that the site is appropriate for industrial and warehousing uses. This Agency does not fit particularly well with the objective of growing the borough's economy with more and better skilled jobs in growth sectors, as set out in EE1. Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 10 There are records of properties at risk of sewer flooding in this area. Therefore, it is important that for Hardman spatial policies this site, surface water is separated and not discharged to the combined public sewer. There are public sewers in the North East and South East corners of this development and we will not allow building in their proximity. Mr Ian Gill West Our preferred Question 10 Support in principle, subject to the following conditions: a) It provides jobs for those living in Lancashire spatial policies Skelmersdale, Up Holland and the Eastern Parishes of West Lancashire; b) It improves access and Borough relieves congestion around Junction 26 of the M6 with the M58; and c) It delivers the Quality Bus Council Route as a pre-requisite to any development taking place on the site. In addition, "The Bell" may also be able to provide a proportion of West Lancashire's future employment needs, which would help to deliver Option 5 (Cross Boundary) of the Council's forthcoming Core Strategy Options Paper.

74 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Graham Standish Our preferred Question 10 Agree in part with the The Bell as this will releive the number of of heavy goods vehicles passing Wilcock Community spatial policies through Standish and congestion to/from the DW Stadium on match days. Forum

75 The following consultees submitted general comments to The Bell Janet Lynn Ms Elizabeth A J McMaster Mr J A Kathleen Littler J B Hanmer Mrs Jenkinson Jason Ann Burchall Halliwell Bentham Cartwright Mrs Barbara Mr Tony Mr John Case Mr John David Littler B Hayes Mr Neil Fowler Derek Mr A Parr Banks Halliwell Unsworth Pilkington Mrs Susan Ms Julia Hart Ms Barbara Mrs Maureen W.H. Messham J Clarke Miss Diane R B & S Mrs B Parr Darbyshire Collier Bentham Charnock Brynant Mrs Dorothy Mr Richard Hart Ms Margaret Mrs Valerie Mr Gary Kelsall I Ashcroft Mrs Alice John Mr J Woosey Walls Case Mort Langton Witherington Mr Andrew Mrs Susan Ms Ellen Mr George S Baxter S Ashcroft D Ackers Mr Chris Moore Joan Boyd Banks Matthews McMaster Green Mr David Kelly Mr Elgar Mr James B & J L SM Messham CJ Ashworth Andrew Ackers Jean K Dodgson Matthews McMaster Mitchinson Witherington Ms Donna Mr Barry Prior Mr David Aspey Mr S Brown M Baxter D Leamey Brenda Rowe Claire S & J Hooton Higgins Witherington Ms Alyson Mr Barry Prior Mr Mark Evans Mr Ged Cunliffe Janet Reed P Marrow Margaret M Mrs E Hilton L Bullick Liptrot Hambleton Ms Kathryn Ms Jean Mary Mr P J Hunt Mr John Mr JK Arkwright Mrs A Wild Kathleen Brett M Brooks Mr D Bolton Mayers Prior Cunliffe Ms Kathryn Ms Pamela J Jones Shaun Mr Joe Simpkin Mr D Wild Elaine Sweeney Miss Elizabeth V Ainscough Mayers Fazzackerley Sweeney Riley Ms Kathryn Mr Mark Mr Norman Mrs Andrea Mrs Judith Mr Philip Tracey Lyon Mrs N Porter E Ainscough Mayers Cottom Jones Shaw Elaine Hesford Ashcroft Ms Kathryn Mr Peter Mr J C Parr Mrs Janet Mr William Rea Mrs Joan Cllr William D Standing Mrs D Miller Mayers Griffiths Cunliffe Ashcroft James Wilkes Ms Kathryn P J Hodson A Parr Frances Mrs W Moran S Ashcroft Jim Stokes SM Owen Mrs Elizabeth Mayers Farrington Smith Ms Lynn E Jukes C Parr Mrs Chloe Mrs M Wilson Jordan Hill Mr. & Mrs. D Davies E Worthington Sudworth Harrison David Jacks Ms Sue Ms Mary J Mr Paul Naylor Mr Ian Mr Terry Barry Hill Ms Sue R Buckley R Worthington Rimmer Seed Coulshed Meehan Rimmer Mr Stuart Smith Mr John Young Ms Jean Hill Mrs Sylvia Mr C Wilson Kathleen Hill Mrs Gillian BM Richardson L Darbyshire Coulshed Morris Ms Sue Mr E Catterall C Williams Mrs A Coleman Mr David Ms Susan Mr Barry Prior JC Fairhurst Ms Holly Rimmer Leyland Woods Prescott Mr I Unsworth Mr Robert J Chisnall Miss Margaret Mrs A Arkwright S Naylor C Boyd John D I D Holland Rayner A Williams Sharrock Mrs Sian Ms Emma Ms Patricia Mrs Lynn Ms Julie J Harrison Mrs Sandra V Young J Holland Fairhurst Raynor Chisnall Dalton Gummerson Brady Mr G & Mrs G Mr J Ferrington Mr J A Ms Holly Mrs Susan J Birchall Pat Wundle Mr N Schwab S Kay Smith Partington Prescott Meehan 76 The following consultees submitted general comments to The Bell Mr H & Mrs C W Monks Mr James W Williams Mrs HE S Atherton O Blake H Schwab SE Holland Causey Worthington Haselden Mr & Mrs T Miss K Ms Joanne Mr Steve C Maughan Ms C Kenyon M Crawford Alec Rigby M Holland Haswell Simpson Web Coleman Mr Stephen Mr M Ashurst Ms Charlotte RJ Rimmer Mrs CA Mrs M Knowles K Burne Eileen Rigby D Holland Hurst Darbyshire Winstanley Mrs Dorothy Ms Lynn Miss Deborah A. King C Sharrock J Clarke Mrs P A Mr Stephen A Fairhurst Walkden Forshaw Farrington Worthington Murphy Mrs Evelyn Mr Darren W Connor Mrs Sylvia Tom Brazier Mrs Victoria Mary A Abraitis Jane Rowson Mr Colin Aindow Forshaw Farrimond Ashurst Stazicker Mr Albert Ms SM Holmes Ms May Ashall E Rimmer I Higham Mrs Susan Doreen Kelly Miss W E Fox Mrs Jacqueline Topping Sudworth A Stazicker Ms Beryl Ronan Ms Joyce Mrs Margaret Mr David Mrs E Davies Ms S Baybutt Mr Michael John Fairhurst Robert James Beardwood Sutton Burrows McSorley Halliwell Ms Gillian Ellis Mr Ronald Mr Philip Mrs C Thomas Mrs Julie Mrs Irene Isaac Mr Cliff Mr & Mrs I T Alice Ella Forshaw Barlow Hough McSorley Gibbins Hallwell Mr Neil Banks Joanne L Cheetham Mrs E Austin D Ball Mr Lee Smith Mrs Carole Patricia Philip Halliwell Dootson McSorley Markillie Ms Joanne Elaine Karen H Dickinson Mrs Kathleen Mr Shaw Mr R W Foley Lindsay Mrs Marlene A. Diane Halliwell Jolley Dootson Heaton Critchley Ruddock Mr Paul Ms O J Mrs T Lawton Mrs Kathleen Mrs Carol King Mrs T Faulkes Michelle Elliot- Mr R Heyes Gillian O'Shea Fairhurst Cathcart-Traill Moss McEvoy Mrs Jean Rachel Dootson Mr B Lawton Mr Brian Paul Ryan Mr P E Faulkes Mr Jason Mr S J Fellowes NJ Pearson Metcalf Ainscough Stevens Mrs Linda Mr Terrance Mr Peter Mrs Margaret D Hayes M E Hand Mrs Susan Mrs A Banks Miss Dawn Barlow Farrell Howarth Ainscough Winstanley Connah Mr A Barlow Mrs Maureen Mr Ronald Mrs Sandra Stuart Nixon W D Hand D Winstanley M J Taylor Miss Karen Platt Farrell Mason Moss Mr K Parkinson Mr Stuart Pike J A Mason J Brookes Ms S C Firth Philip Baybutt M Winstanley Miss Claire Andy O'Shea Ollerton Mrs E Ms Carole Pike Ms Kath Mrs P Heatley Neil Winstanley Jean Baybutt Mr A Norma Davies Scott O'Shea Parkinson Appleton Winstanley Mr R Metcale Stuart Dootson M Taberner J Fagan D Alker Miss L Baldwin Marion Green A Taylor Evelyn M Houghton Mrs Gillian V Jackson Mrs S Barker Mr P Heatley Mr Paul Foster Mrs Elaine Stott Steven Mrs J A Owen S Hare Morris Johnson Mr Brian Alan Dootson Mrs Ellen Mrs Maureen J Hynes Mr David Edna Charnock Mr P Owen Mr Michael Halliwell O'Rourke Achillers Eakins Kenny Mrs M Price Mr George P Murray Mr Danny A Cheetham Mrs Pat Eakins Zoe Marsh Stephen Brian, Dorothy & Beardwood Purdham Gleesu Philip Rigby 77 The following consultees submitted general comments to The Bell J Allibone William Taylor Ms Sara Mrs D Hewitt Frederick Dunn MK Moram Gladys Hull Mrs M Lyons Miss Rachel Farrimond Kenny W Sharrock Margaret Taylor Mrs K Turton Mr Ian Atherton Mr Steven D Topping Claire Nicholls Iris Holland S Roscoe Gaskell Mrs Jenna Stephen Mr Chris Marjorie James A West Reverend Brian Lucy Ashurst D Fairhurst Boyd Meadows Farrington Connor Cartwright Nicholls Mr R Boyd Douglas & S Shannon Mr Neil Marsh Mr Mark ME Corry Mrs E Nicholls Mr Eric Boyd J Morgan Michele Smith Valentine Ms Elizabeth Greta Smith Ms Susan Mr Martin Mrs J.V. Perry Lee Fairhurst Sarah Jones Sarah Samuel Pettit Shaw Oweill Crookson Hickman J Fairhurst Bernard Ms Joyce Pugh Mrs Nancy Mr Sean Brown Jason Anders Reverend Miss Megan Mrs D G Stapleton Murton Matthew Jones Strong Tomlinson Ms Jean Heyes Mark Kevill Mr Darren Ms T.M Paul Clucas Mrs R Foster Rebecca Mrs Nicola Mr J A Cunliffe Sculthorpe Nicholls Parker Tomlinson Mr Mark Mr James E Walker Derek Barlow Ms Joan Bishop Mr T Foster Mrs Jennifer Mr David Mrs Jean Webster Bailey Kennedy Strong Prescott Ms Wendy Miss Carolyn Mrs Margaret Mr Clifford Mr John Ashall G Wiggins Mr Michael Alison Bithell Mr Geoffrey Walters Barrett Hawkins Murton Houghton Prescott Mrs Diane Mrs Vivien Ms Maureen Mrs M Green Mrs L J Sweeney Mrs M Turner Karen Mrs B Sharrock Bennett Barton Bragg Armstrong Crockford Miss G Mr David Kevill Mr Bernard Mr Anthony A Armstrong Miss D C Moore Lorraine Holly Prescott Mcnamee Bragg Todd Dickinson Roberts Mr S Ainscough Mrs M Gaskell Mrs Anne Bold AV Jones A Thomas W Smith J McIntyre Rose Jackson M.J. Pennington

Mrs Janet John Barry S Lindley Mrs M Forshaw M Hill Mr John Andrew Booth Mrs Sharon Lucy Gaskell Goulden Cottom Kennedy Breheny Mrs Ivy Barnes Nick Cottom Mr J & Mrs J Mr P Crawford H Yates Mr W Boland B Thompson Mrs E Rigby Michael O'Shea Martindale Ms Bessie Mrs Ellen Mrs V Gaskell R Williams M.B. Smith Miss Kate D W Foster S Hastings J Holcroft Parkinson Cottom Rowe Ms Gemma Mr William Mrs A Hindley Mr D Barton Joanne Mrs O Boland Mrs Elizabeth M Mrs E McLure E Hayes Pouncey Higson Walmsley Foster Mrs B Mrs Hillary Mr Derek Roy Graham Heyes Mr Gareth Mrs Carol Mrs C A Littler S L Griffin M Bradley Darbyshire Higson James Moore Davies Houghton Mrs I Gee Mr H Taylor Mrs Dorothy Mr Jeffrey Gemma Mr Stephan Mrs Judith Ball Mrs C Hilton Guy Cliffe Moore Hodgson Wallace Fairhurst J Jedrzejewski Mr B G Unsworth Loraine Lyndsey Morris A Smith Janice Carter E Grove D Billsborough Woodward Hodgson Mr P Gee Mr & Mrs A R W G Phil Holland John S Barton Mr Paul A B Carter Sharon Kearns JM Hitchen Britton Unsworth Fairhurst 78 The following consultees submitted general comments to The Bell Mr Michael Mr Richard Hill C Unsworth Mrs Karen Mrs Anne Marie J Marrow G A Kelley S Kearns M Bardsley Walters Holland Barton Mr Frank A Meadows Mr E Knight C Vizard Mr James Mrs Lynda S J Rhodes J Bolton T Appleton McDonald Maclean Fairhurst Ms Jeanette Mr Brian Mrs Kathleen David J Kaaria Mr Pete Kate Fairhurst Donald Barry Anne Jones Deidre Lee Hunter Sheffield Handley Chegwin Carter Ms Jenny Mrs Dorothy Ms Mary Cecilia Miss T Wright Mrs E Norburn Mr Craig Bernard Kelly Thomas Jones F Priestly McDonald Sheffield Jackson Leyland Mr Graham Mrs Lyndsey Mr Bevis AJ Ackers Mr David M Lemin Margaret J Rowland MJ Holcroft Oldfield Hart Jackson Marron Hetherington Mr Steven Mr Peter Hart Mrs M Knight Mrs S Ackers Mr Keith Charles & Brian A Cartwright E Shiffington Memmott Halliwell Helen Graham Hetherington Ms Carol Wm Sudworth D M Foster Susan Valerie Wogan C Nolan Ronald Gomery Mr W Sullivan K Ollerton Oldfield Anderson Mrs Frances Ms Lynn Mr David Mrs J Jones Chris Mrs M Hughes Mr Sam Mott J Anglesea M Curran Harvey Sudworth Speakman McLoughlin Mrs Lisa Finch Mr Andrew Ms Brenda Mr P Jones Mrs Linda J Martland Margaret P Sumner W Hitchen Sudworth Catterall Heaton Thompson Mr Thomas Mrs G Mr & Mrs Mr Richard Leanne Sheila Darby Mr Andrew P Sumner N Pennington Finch Strickland Joseph & Mary Jones Knowles Corcoran McLoughlin Mrs Dorothy Mr T Strickland Mrs H Hooten Mrs Carole M L Clark W L Hand Mrs S.E. Price K Greenway P Prior Blyth Swift Mrs D Smith J Winstanley Ms Sarah Sandra Karen, David & K Platt Mr A Grimshaw Mrs J Hudson Ms Christine Jayne Beveridge Megan Shouy Edwards Mrs Caroline Mr David Kelly Mr Harry Mrs June Mrs Claire Fiona J Atherton E Eccleston Ms Anne Memmott Woodward Sherry Brown MacDonald Fairhurst Mr Jonathan Mrs S Mr Peter Birkett Mrs PA J Clark AD Waterhense Gloria Entwistle C Magrath Mr S Belcher Cartwright Greenhalgh Wilkinson Cllr Paul Ms Donna P Dutton John Critchley S Taylor Mrs Ancelena Betty Patterson W M Jones Mrs C W Prescott Higgins Farrell Belcher Cllr Jeanette Ms P A Thomas Ms Christine M E Prescott Mrs Taylor A Hagerty Mr Andrew Mrs Mateasey Miss A Belcher Prescott Speakman Anderson Mrs Victoria C Boyd Mrs S Bailey Mrs Anne Mr Frank Mrs L Hamilton Jill Mott Peter McClure Mr Ian Birchall Fields Fairhurst Leonard Mr Jeffery Blyth Mrs Jean Wass Mrs Gwen L Heatley Mr Taylor W T Hand Mr Norman E A Walker Mrs A Critchley Kevill Halliwell Mrs J L Ayles M Doran Ms Susan E A Jolley Andrew Taylor Judith A Hand Frank Atherton B Walker Andrew Birkett Critchley

79 The following consultees submitted general comments to The Bell Mr Ian Ayles K Cumming Mr David M P Gough Mrs Ann C Parkinson Catheren R V Walker Mr F Pratt Seddon Leonard Pennington E Brown Mr William R Ms Joanne W E Gough E Jackson Mrs J L Bolton James Miss Jennifer Mrs M Pratt Ashall McCullough Pennington Boyd S Brown Catherine Ms Aimee Mrs Lesley Brenda Smith Claire C A Preston Thomas J Wilson Ashall McCullough Harvey Anderson Rudduck Miss Alison Mr & Mrs Ms Karen R & K Mr Lee Yates Kim Moore Andrew Mrs Arlene M Elzbieta Grindley Bullough Adamson Lancaster Rimmer Fellows Elliooluszewska Mr David Fields P Doran Ms Christine Rev. Roland Mrs Joanne D Jordan TJ Woodcock Mrs Julie Mrs Enid Wilson Harvey Yates Finney Pomfret Mr B Heneghan Mr & Mrs S Mr Gareth Barry Hewitt A Valentine K L Mannia JD Price Mrs E Lynne Lee Ackers Cottom Strickland Mr Richard R Grundy Ms Charlotte Roger T Spellman Karen Booth PD Price Mr David J Pamela E Holland Mousdell Hardcastle Finney Banks Mr Mark Mr Roy Mr Geoffrey Doreen Hewitt S Williams Mrs Lisa Gary Hayes Sandra Brown Paul Ashcroft Webster Atherton Mousdell Houghton Mr Terence Florence Mr George D Pilling A Rushton Sandra Priesley Mr Paul Mr Scott Kerry Ashcroft Haswell Yvonne Littler Moss McGrail McCarthy Ms Joanne Mr Andrew Mr Phillip Philip Matthews Noran S Armstrong Mrs D Maloney Mrs Stacey Christine Gee Pettit Ashall Scaldwell Fazackerley Morris Mr Arthur Pettit Mrs Sheila Mr P Kennedy Mr Roy Swift Vicky Buckley A Rickuby C Ollerton Mr & Mrs A Mr P & Mrs J Ashall Almond Broster Miss K Prescott Mrs A Tyack Mrs B Cooper Tracey Williams A Edwards Mrs K Ashcroft Paul Pownall Jayne A L Jolley Marsden L Parr Fred Winnard Ms Sandra R Crossland Angela Miss Diane Mrs R Pownall R Marsden Karen Aspey Fairhurst Thompson Fields Ms Barbara Ms Brenda Ms Susan Price Mr Adam Mrs D Brown Mr P Ashcroft J Slade Miss R Karley Payne Thompson Heyes Crossland Marsden Mr Norman Constance M Mr Andrew Norman Gillian Quigley D Cunliffe R Slade Peter Marsden Stephen Tudor Thompson Gee Price Prescott Mrs J A I Smith Mr Liam Price Mr Colin Keiron Mercer J McCullogh M. Corner Mrs E Neil Picton Robinson Faulkner Darbyshire Mrs H Parr Angela Smith Mr A G Turner Mr David Mr K Whittle A Price A. King J N Markland Norman Fairhurst Buckley Mrs Lilian Mrs Elsie Ms SD Miss Jennifer M A Sephton Mr Mark Mr R Hurst Sara Priestley James Martin Hogan Moorfield Hollingdrake Leyland Thompson T Parr Mr Leslie Ms Marian Mr Kevin Mrs K Austin P Naylor Mrs V Rowcroft Roy Markland Karen Hughes Brecken Balmer Mather Mrs Anne M Atherton Mrs S M Alan Croft DJ Firth C Aspey Mr D. Rowcroft A Wilcock Emma Holden Carrabyne Southward 80 The following consultees submitted general comments to The Bell Mrs Denise Annette Mr J L Mrs Carole Cameron J Marron Mr Chris Mott Mr & Mrs Adam Rickson Mcloughlin Dickinson Wallwork Croft Greenlees Symons Mr S Gaskell Christopher Miss G L T Moffatt N Maughan Karin Grimshaw J Elliott G Johnson Sarah Poyntz- Dickinson Edwards Culshaw Ms Barbara Margaret Aspey Miss Natalie Miss R.J. V Roberts Mrs T Ball C Halliwell Miss Deborah Gayner Lambert Stockley Sweeney Oakes Johnson Mr Herbert Ms Julie Miss Hannah Miss C.L. M & J Hives A Fairclough R Halliwell D Gosling Lisa Seddon Stockley Southworth Sweeney Oakes Mr T Holden Rachel Quayle Ms Sylvia J Edwards J Hives Mrs C A Mrs Fianne K Johnson Winifred S Unsworth Holgate Hayes Peaston Mr Henry Julie Quayle Mr Michael Audrey Crippin J Sonner J Taberner Mr Michael D Darbyshire Karen J Browne Causey John Heyes Griffin Mrs Carole Steve Quayle Mr Donald D Webster T Hatton Mrs M Huddart K Coates J Ward Thomas Price Causey McIntyre Mr John Mr & Mrs C Ms Rachael Elayne Kelly David Watts Mr C Hodgson Mr Stephen R Ward Beverley Goulden Moss McIntyre Ruddy Thilwind Mr Brian Hogan Mr R & Mrs D Mrs S Benson Mr Darbyshire P Norburn Janice Cotton C Hughes T Cook Peter Webb Adamson Mr Joseph Ms Barbara Mr G Benson W Stevens K Watts K Criney Stephen J Priestley Eileen Alloyd Bennett Pearce Walker Miss Kelly Mr L Moss Mr Jim Joan Swift E Tabener V Wilding Mr Andrew Mrs Karen Carole Brady Rosenthal Winstanley Crookston Strong Ms Claire Mr Wayne Mrs Aileen Mrs June Smith David Watts AG Spencer Philip Dean Elaine Dermott Stephen Povey Moss Winstanley Priestley Mr Ian Levens Ms Margaret Mr David Dalton Mrs P Banks C Watts Mrs Susan Mr & Mrs CJ & Graham Rebecca Smyth Bromily SD Barker Dermott Mitchell Mr Kenneth C Tooling MB & WP Mrs Saunders P Derbyshire A Singleton Patrick Hurley Mr Cornes Lee Farrington Jayne Smith Mrs Dotothy Mr George Mrs Christine Mr Simon D Hill Joanne Breden D Robinson Rebecca Peter Webster Jayne Barlow Ann Sweeney McCann Fairhurst Ms Carolyn Ms Mary Mrs K Baldwin Mrs Eileen P J Hill Mrs C M Mrs M Scott Emily Fairhurst Jacqueline Fox Hurst Cunliffe Achillers Wharton Mrs Annie Mrs D Dutton D Molyneux Mrs A.P. Simm Alistair Edie D Jolley AD Pickwell Mrs Lisa Christopher Topping McCarthy Street Mr Andrew Mr David Amanda Ray Burton H Farrington Tom Edwards Dickinson Anne Fairhurst Mandy Pulford Topping Dutton Magrath B Hurst Mr J Lythgoe Mr TW Prescott D.W. Hanson Louise Ann Mark LM Turner Nicholas Peter Newell Winstanley Winstanley Fairhurst Ms Sheila Mr & Mrs Eric & Mrs Barbara Joan Hanson O Hill Christine D J Barker Miss Karen Mary Hunter Fedigan Elizabeth Bates Townley Bentley Baugh 81 The following consultees submitted general comments to The Bell M Jones Ms Sandra Mr Burrows Mrs J Taylor P Fairhurst Mrs Veronica Mary Ollerton Reverend John Elizabeth Talbot- Evans Grayson Southern Brothers Mr R Long Mrs G Mousdell Mrs Marie J McNamee J J Fairhurst Cllr Paul Mrs J Powell E Barton Lily Hunt Farnworth Prescott Mrs A M Long Mr Brian Bridget Fielding Mr E & Mrs J Brian Wood Cllr Jeanette E Bannister Mrs Luttam Derek Taberner Mercer Fitzpatrick Prescott Mr D C Mason Ms Leanne Mrs Sharon David Carol Hurst Mrs Susan Mrs Doris Samantha Derek Leyland Mullins Lindley Faulkener Matthews Barker Yorke Mr R Dolan Mrs Brenda Mrs Helen Mrs Denise Mrs M E Sandra P Webster Barry Yorke Ernest Magrath Mercer Daniels Faulkner Hitchmough Fillingham Miss Linda Ms Sharon Mr Thomas S Jackson Mrs Maureen Mr Bernard Daniel Tinsdale Leslie Allen Gareth Cunliffe Charnock Burgess Daniels Rutter Finch Mr W Mr O Evans Mr Colin Mrs KM Mr Eric Rutter Mr Stephen Eileen Tinsdale B Breakwell Natasha Gillingham Nickeas Warburton Nicholls Holland Mrs C A Weir Ms Joan Mr John Mrs J Webster Mr Paul Rutter Mrs Louise R F Jones Sylvia Peter Latham Holmes Farrington Barrow Ormesher Mr G L Weir Mrs M Heyes Mrs Deborah J & M S Corrigan Mr Kieran D Brown Henry Edward Kathryn Hatch Winstanley McMahon Burke Ormesher Mr Colin Mrs Kathleen Mrs Jackie Vikki Forshaw S Burgess Mrs Laura Mrs M Webster J E Lee Jacqueline Prescott Turton Kennedy Burke Whittle Mr Mark Ms Margaret Mr B Vizard Mr VT Rimmer Joseph Gough Mrs A J Walker Mrs S Barnes A Foster Adamson Seddon Parkinson Mr Paul Hurst Mr David Mrs Margaret Mrs S S Richardson J Atherton M Appleton Mr B Barnes J Stott Taberner Banks Watkinson Miss Sharon Mrs Catherine Mr P Baldwin Mr Roger Lynn H Richardson H Tomlinson Stephen DL Turner Lyndsey King Blakeley Chisnell Hawkins Mrs Eileen J O'Connor Mr Harry Mrs S Willis C Richardson R Murphy L Whalley Ms D McGrail Sonya Murphy Haswell Hesford Ms Kathleen Ms Leslie R Mrs Irene Mrs Janet Lynn A J Mann M Tomlinson Michelle Hatton R J Perry Kathleen Moss Turner Chisnell Culkin Mrs Joan Ms Lilian Mr C Sturgeon Mr JE Willis E Hayes A Cropper M N Whittaker Mrs V Ball J Webb Keegan Unsworth Mrs Joan Mr & Mrs John Mr Neil Mr Brian Aspey M Duell Mr John Rowe Gillian Fairhurst Mrs V M Boyers Elizabeth Park Prescott & Ann Topping Pennington Mrs Carol Ms Andrea Mrs M Liston Jocelyn Melling Susan Green Thomas L Henry Mr R J Boyers Gillian O'shea Brindle Taberner Cartwright Mr Geoffrey Mr A Smart Carolyn Mr Derek Mr D Green R Lamb Sophie Mary Perry Graham and Brindle Pennington Aspey Witherington Susan Wiggins Mrs Ann Mrs Carol D Richards Mr & Mrs F Z Mrs J Holland C Grace Neil Cross Ms Wendy Janet Crookston Birchall Newman Dixon Ainscough 82 The following consultees submitted general comments to The Bell Mr Stephen Mr Alan Mrs Rita Gray Mr I Kirkpatrick V Hickey A Waite Catherine Ellen Jolley Esther E Wood Calderbank Lucas Fedigan Ms Patricia C Smart Eunice Corless Mr Nolan Aspey M Sewter Lynn Parker Mr & Mrs J A Miss B Howe Miss Lisa Wood Taylor Holland Mr Derrick Mrs Jill Liptrot Mr & Mrs J P & Mrs J B Clarke Olwyn Mrs Leah Read Emma Priestley James Dodgson White D Mitchley Kirkpatrick Cartwright Ms Lynn White Mr D Liptrot Mr A.M Gray Mr Marion Barbara & Colin T Shaw Ashley B Gannon Victoria Aspey Green Callaway Mckinnell Miss Jemma Mr S P Fletcher Mr Tom Mr & Mrs Susan Clarke A Vernon Mrs Margaret Darren Heyes Ernest Hilton Aspinall McKeon Ambler Brown Mrs June Mrs Brenda Kathleen Mrs M Peet Dean Smith Mr Lee Silcock Mrs Margaret Mrs Patricia Gary Rimmer Aspinall Calderbank Mayers Waldon Lucas Mrs Valerie Mr Neil William Cliff Corless Mrs M P MS Boylan B M Hogg Mr T G Waldon Susan Green Marjorie Baybutt Price Sheperd Waterhouse Mr William J Mr Ian Birchall J Lawton Mrs Donna Gareth Swires Miss Donna Lya W D Brown Rachel Green Rita Smith Price Peet Mr J Moran Ms Patricia Mr A Mr James Peet Rose Gallear Mr J Parkinson Paul Pickthorn Laura Green Mrs Lesley Ashcroft Humphreys Swann Ms Betty Finch T A Fletcher Mrs J M CA Talbot- John Gallear Miss C Rebecca Miss C Gaskell JG Boardman Soltysiak Bratham Coleman Pickthorn Mrs Yvette Mrs J Fletcher A Stenson Mrs Pauline SC Boylan John McDonald Andrew Thomas Green Barry Tarpey Leece Simpkin Jackson Mr Graham Mr G Morris E Ballard A Haughton Peter Cotham Mrs L M Silcock Philip Jackson Mr J Jolley Sue Johnson Leece Mr Raymond Mrs C Howarth J Liptrot Laura Valerie Ashcroft Mr G T Silcock Ms Angela Mrs F Gaskell Mr Peter Winstanley Haughton Fairclough Anderson Mrs Nichola Mr D T Howarth L Kirby Yvette Pilling JP Speakman D Parker Steven Jackson H Slatter Mr G & Mrs C Winstanley Sykes Mr Daniel Mrs A Morris Mrs Dorothy M Bennett Michelle Mrs Jacqueline Debbie Jackson Matthew Taylor Mr David Parfitt Halliwell Ballard Patterson Caddick Mr Ben Walker Mr B Morris F Horrocks Ms Joan Baxter G Cheetham Mr William Tracey Mrs Lesley A Ms Anne Parfitt Caddick Cartwright Stapleton

83 Overview of comments made to The Bell Frequent issues raised:

• Loss of Green Belt • Why build more employment when there are many vacant units elsewhere? • Impact on wildlife • Impact on farm and livestock • Loss of farmland – 85% has been lost in the area • Loss of recreation area • Visual impact on landscape • Impact on property values • Noise and pollution levels • Increased traffic and congestion • Unsuitable development next to the new Eco-School • Green Belt lost to future generations • Psychological impact – loss of general ‘good feeling’

Other issues by category

Need for Employment: • There are more suitable areas in the borough for employment • There is enough brownfield sites to satisfy future needs • There are endless new offices empty in the borough, and along all motorways in the country • There are vacant units and available land in Skelmersdale • We are in a recession; there is no demand for employment uses and units will not be filled • There is enough industry in the area already

Employment: • Lack of specific details given – height, scale, road layout etc • Out of character in a residential area • Eyesore – large and ugly industrial units • Businesses are more likely to recruit staff from outside the borough due to the proximity to the motorway junction.

Green Belt: • Green Belt cannot be built on • Lack of compensatory Green Belt • Green Belt is limited in the borough • We bought our house because of the semi-rural nature of the area • Should build on brownfield land instead – contrary to national policy (Planning Policy Statement 2) • There is no precedent for putting industry on Green Belt • Too much Green Belt has been lost in the local area

84 Overview of comments made to The Bell • Schemes have been refused in the past due to Green Belt status • A dangerous precedent

Wildlife • Impact on endangered species e.g. bats, newts • Impact on visiting fauna

Road / Traffic • Will increase traffic on the heavily congested roads of Marsh Green and Beech Hill • Increased traffic on Spring Road • New road is not needed • Existing roads should be improved instead including opening Walthew House Lane • Opening Walthew House Lane will increase congestion on Scot Lane • The road will only benefit Heinz and Martland Park • The road will cut Latham Lane in two, leaving houses landlocked. • The road is an excuse to build industrial units • A new ‘lorries only’ access should be built from M6 to the rear of Heinz across Porters Wood instead • The roundabouts at Junction 26 cannot cope with existing levels of traffic • Spring Road not suitable for levels and scale of traffic • A rail link with Martland Park should be strongly considered • Homes will become an island in the middle of chaos • Increased chance of road accidents • The exit road to the motorway will be much more chaotic than it is at present because of increased traffic crossing Orrell Road • There is some support for the road but not with the employment • Will pose a grave health risk to pupils attending local schools

Open Space • Loss of countryside, views and fields • Loss of areas for children to play • One of few green areas left in the borough • Needs to be retained as a green lung in an otherwise built up industrialised area • People need open spaces as much as shops and amenities • Contradicts the borough’s Township Action Plans which promote access to open countryside and the development of parks

Eco-School: • Land should be used as sports pitches in conjunction with the eco-school and other schools in the area.

Crime / Safety • Threat of crime – will increase insurance premiums • Will attract unsavoury characters – drug dealers/users, underage drinkers 85 Overview of comments made to The Bell • Lorry-pedestrian conflict especially children • Increased risk of child abduction as near to the motorway junction

Noise: • Industry will operate 24/7 resulting in noise pollution and traffic movements all day and night

Pollution: • Industry will contaminate land and render it biologically unsafe forever • Air pollution will be at danger levels • Air pollution is already high in Orrell, and this would make it worse • Health concerns

Flooding: • Impact on water table • Drainage

Other amenity • Loss of privacy • Blot on the landscape • The impact on local residents has not been considered

Consultation methods used • All residents should have been notified by letter, not just in Borough Life which many don’t read. • Why were the local residents not notified or consulted on the proposals before the Council went public in Borough Life? • 8 weeks of public consultation is not enough.

Other issues raised • Impact on the old folks home residents on Greenhey • There are numerous tunnels beneath the land in question

86 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response South of Hindley Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 11 Problems of sewer flooding in this area. Surface water should be separated and not discharged to the Hardman spatial policies combined public sewer. Cllr William Our preferred Question 11 More suitable than the loss of Green Belt land that cannot be replaced or reclaimed again. James Wilkes spatial policies Robert Acland Our preferred Question 11 Object. The land south of Atherton should be allocated instead. Rawlinson Bracewell spatial policies Surveyors Limited Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 11 Concerns, given the Sites of Biological Importance and habitats present within the site. Waymont Manchester spatial policies Ecology Unit Peel Our preferred Question 11 Support. As a major landholder, will work with the council to bring the site forward. Investments spatial policies (North) Ltd Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 11 There are a significant number of ponds, Sites of Biological Importance and records of protected Telfer Agency spatial policies species. Ideally these areas should not be developed and other areas of less biodiversity value should be identified. The western side of site has some fluvial flood risk from Borsdane Brook. We would expect reference to ensuring that there is no impact / increased risk of flooding. The sequential approach and green infrastructure should be applied where feasible. Mr & Mrs Our preferred Question 11 Support. Tattersall spatial policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 11 No comment regarding any development proposals in this location impacting upon the Strategic Alder Agency spatial policies Route Network due to the proximity of Hindley. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 11 As with Policy SP4, the delivery mechanisms need to be clearer if the site is to be allocated as a Office for the spatial policies strategic site. A particular issue will be the delivery of a southern relief road for Hindley. North West CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 11 Support but wish part of their site to the south site to be redeveloped for housing uses. spatial policies Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 11 Would be useful if the policy referred to the potential for using stretches of the former Wigan to spatial policies Tyldesley railway line for a Bus Rapid Transit Line. PPG Industries Our preferred Question 11 Support site but wish part of their site to the south of the key strategic site to be included in the site (UK) spatial policies and redeveloped for housing and employment uses. Tom Miles Homes and Our preferred Question 11 We support the principle of a sustainable urban extension and suggest that the site might be suitable Communities spatial policies for a Combined Heat and Power plant. The balanced heat load and mix of uses would be ideal for Agency such a scheme.

87 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Eric Dickens Our preferred Question 11 Object on grounds of infrastructure overloading, loss of wildlife habitats and 'green' lung and flooding. spatial policies Northleigh Mr Rod Raines Rod Raines Our preferred Question 12 Proposes the inclusion of adjacent land at scrap yard, Leigh Road within the site. Auto Salvage spatial policies Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 12 Problems of sewer flooding in this area. Surface water should be separated and not discharged to the Hardman spatial policies combined public sewer. Cllr William Our preferred Question 12 North Leigh should be a Key Strategic Site to improve the employment prospects of residents in the James Wilkes spatial policies area which has an amount of deprivation. Mr Tony Whitehead and Our preferred Question 12 Land to the rear of 315 Westleigh Lane - previously the subject of extensive representations to you in Whitehead Company spatial policies respect of its potential for development - appears to have been illogically excuded from the housing development notation in the illustative drawing. Robert Acland Our preferred Question 12 Suppport but consider that land to the north of the site should also be included. Rawlinson Bracewell spatial policies Surveyors Limited Jim Stokes Black Country Our preferred Question 12 Support. Properties Ltd spatial policies Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 12 We have concerns relating to this allocation in relation to the number of wetland habitats, including Waymont Manchester spatial policies ponds, with records of great crested newts. We would also question the reference to Westleigh Brook Ecology Unit as it lies outside of the allocation Peel Our preferred Question 12 Support. Investments spatial policies (North) Ltd Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 12 This area contains a significant number of ponds and records of protected species. Ideally it should Telfer Agency spatial policies not be developed and other areas of less biodiversity value should be identified. Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Our preferred Question 12 It is a flawed approach to concentrate the majority of housing development on one single site. Homes spatial policies Persimmon wish to work with the Council to bring forward land in Leigh Township in which it has an interest CS Billson Longport Group Our preferred Question 12 Support. spatial policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 12 Due to the proximity of the Northleigh site from the Strategic Route Network, the Agency has no Alder Agency spatial policies comment regarding any development proposals in this location impacting upon the network.

88 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 12 The delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer if the site is to be allocated as a strategic site. Office for the spatial policies Paragraph 9.87 says that surface water, drainage and ground issues could be a significant North West constraint/cost to development and there could be pressures on primary and secondary school places in the local area. How will these problems be overcome? Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 12 It needs to be made clearer how related infrastructure will effect the provision of housing at Northleigh spatial policies and if this will/will not be held back by the link road completion. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 12 Support but the council should recognise the contribution that can be made by other sites outside the spatial policies key strategic sites. PPG Industries Our preferred Question 12 Support site but the council should recognise the potential of land to the west of Leigh Road to deliver (UK) spatial policies a mixed use development. Tom Miles Homes and Our preferred Question 12 Support. We would be prepared to consider either a Local Authority or Kickstart bid for this site as Communities spatial policies part of our second phase of kick start funding applications. Agency Mrs Ivy Dickens Our preferred Question 12 Object on grounds of infrastructure overloading, loss of wildlife habitats and 'green' lung and flooding. spatial policies Leigh Central Mr Scott Our preferred Question 13 Plans to develop a vibrant and varied Leigh evening economy would be a good thing for the people of Fitzgerald spatial policies Leigh as long as it catered for a wide range of people. It would be nice to have a safe centre for all ages and walks of life to enjoy a night out. Miss Alison Our preferred Question 13 I agree with the proposals to develop Leigh town centre to prevent it from fragmenting. The centre Davies spatial policies has become more run down. It's important to tackle congestion, improve links to the sports village and provide more services and local employment. Mr Geoff Our preferred Question 13 The guided busway is a waste - a heavy rail link into Leigh via Tyldesley would be a viable alternative. Eastham spatial policies Leigh Sports Village is a mess in terms of traffic congestion. Good initial infrastructure appears to be lacking. David Lea Our preferred Question 13 The following issues have not been mentioned in the Leigh Spatial Policy: Regeneration of the town spatial policies centre, regeneration of former cable works site, improving pedestrian links from town centre to Leigh Sports Village, Parsonage and Pennington Flash, extending key east-west transport infrastructure towards Bedford and Warrington Road and various road improvements, including Atherleigh Way / Twist Lane junction. Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 13 Support, particularly commitment to Leigh Sports Village and the development of connections to local Turczynski and Culture spatial policies parks and Greenheart sites. Trust Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Our preferred Question 13 Policy does not address Leigh's low level of leisure and culture provision. There is reference to the spatial policies Leigh Feasibility study, but not its findings.

89 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 13 Support but consider it too restrictive. An extension should be made to the town centre boundary to Limited spatial policies accommodate retail growth and leisure facilities to the south of Spinning Jenny Way. Kingmoor Park Our preferred Question 13 The policy should read 'the comprehensive re-development of Bridgewater' and that the provision of spatial policies modern employment uses, such as new offices should be of a scale to meet demand, alongside other complementary uses, such as housing. Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 13 Policy clear in bringing forward sites for economic development and identifying Leigh as the principal Norris Harvestor spatial policies town centre in the east of the borough. The strategic role of the Bridgewater area is recognised but Limited potential types of permitted employment uses should not be determined from the outset. Our client would welcome the opportunity to consult with the council on the outputs of the feasibility analysis.

Sainsbury's Our preferred Question 13 Support. Supermarkets spatial policies Ltd Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 13 The Agency is encouraged by the aspirations to locate development within Leigh. Any development Alder Agency spatial policies coming forward needs to be supported by the appropriate transport evidence base and infrastructure.

Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 13 The delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer, particularly regarding the Leigh Guided Busway Office for the spatial policies and dealing with flood risk. North West Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 13 In paragraph 9.97 it would be more appropriate to refer to the busway as being funded by the GM spatial policies Transport Fund rather than the Regional Funding Allocation. Westleigh Canalside Mrs Kathleen Our preferred Question 14 Object on the grounds of loss of open aspect and the site's unsuitability for housing. Liable to flooding Arden spatial policies and likely to exacerbate traffic problems and lack of schools. Development should be located adjacent to Wigan-Leigh bypass and concentrated in Leigh town centre. Mr John Our preferred Question 14 Object - the site should remain open and promote cycling and walking links to Pennington Flash and Mcmanus spatial policies Leigh Sports Village. Traffic problems likely to be made worse. Mrs Lorraine Our preferred Question 14 Object on grounds of traffic, theft, crime, pollution, noisy disturbance, flooding and loss of wildlife. Sharrock- spatial policies Peplow Mr Jim Our preferred Question 14 Object due to flooding issues and traffic problems. Pennington golf course should be developed for Simpson spatial policies housing instead. Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 14 Problems of sewer flooding in this area. Surface water should be separated and not discharged to the Hardman spatial policies combined public sewer. You should also be aware that there are public sewers passing through the middle and the east of this development and we will not allow building in their proximity

90 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 14 Note the reference to a new link road potentially joining Plank Lane at Bickershaw South which the Regional spatial policies agency owns. Development Agency Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 14 There is no mention of the need to protect the Hindsford Brook corridor, which is an important Waymont Manchester spatial policies omission particularly since no reference is made in paragraph 9.124 to policy WHS1. Ecology Unit Wainhomes Our preferred Question 14 Wish to see the site extended to include Westleigh Cricket Club to the west. Development spatial policies Limited Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 14 The development of this area has potential to impact upon the wildlife corridor function of the canal. It Telfer Agency spatial policies lies within areas of flood zone 2 and 3 as shown on our flood map. As part of the spatial policy we would expect reference is made to ensuring that there is no impact / increased risk of flooding. The sequential approach and green infrastructure should be applied where feasible. Mrs Michelle Our preferred Question 14 Object on the grounds of flooding, traffic problems, loss of open space, disruption to wildlife and loss Mennell spatial policies of open views. Mr Andrew GVA Grimley Our preferred Question 14 Fully support. Also support the Council's identification of key development sites for housing in the Thompson spatial policies Core Strategy, given the context of the high housing requirement for the Borough provided in the Regional Spatial Strategy. Request that the site is referred to as 'West Leigh Canalside'. Suggest that delivery of the link road should be responsibility of the new Wigan Regeneration Agency or another agency with a remit for regeneration and development across the whole of the Borough. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 14 Whilst it is not a town centre site, the site is located far enough away from the Strategic Route Alder Agency spatial policies Network that the Agency has no comments on development proposals emerging at the location. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 14 The delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer. Particular issues will be the delivery of a link road Office for the spatial policies and dealing with floodrisk. North West Tom Miles Homes and Our preferred Question 14 Fully support and consider the designation as a sustainable urban extension that will complement our Communities spatial policies proposals for a country park and golf course on the nearby north Bickershaw site and employment Agency uses on the adjacent southern part of the site. Consider that providing additional highway capacity will be a key issue in bringing these sites forward. East of Atherton Mr Brian Our preferred Question 15 12% of existing houses are recorded as flats yet many remain empty. This is a high proportion Cleworth spatial policies compared to the rest of the borough. They are not popular with the residents of Atherton and we do not need any more high density housing.

91 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Brian Our preferred Question 15 Bolton Road is very congested at peak times. The proposed link would make the problem worse. An Cleworth spatial policies extension of Atherleigh Way to the A6 or M61 would relieve congestion and link in with the proposed road south of Hindley. An extension to Chanter's Industrial site is not needed. The existing Gibfield and Parsonage sites are underused. Many industrial sites in town can be cleared and used instead, and would improve the appearance of the town and provide local employment. Mr Brian Our preferred Question 15 Additional capacity on the railway would need additional car parking at Atherton station. It would Cleworth spatial policies attract more traffic to an already congested road system. Mr Brian Our preferred Question 15 The site is not derelict as it consists of fields and hedgerows with horse grazing. The link road would Cleworth spatial policies adversely affect existing householders with noise and pollution. The proposals will diminish the area.

Mr & Mrs Peter Our preferred Question 15 There is enough housing already. Bolton Road has enough traffic and one more junction on that bend & Helen Barker spatial policies will result in eight sets of traffic lights in less then a mile. The more logical route will be a direct link from Shakerley to the A6. A bridge would be required over the railway but in the long term it will be more cost effective and safer. Mr Frank Our preferred Question 15 There is not much open land left on this side of the town. With the Cutacre site being developed, Heyes spatial policies surely this is enough land usage. The best sites are the Hindley ones. Plenty of open land of poor quality. Mr David Our preferred Question 15 Housing is not needed as there are many unoccupied properties in Atherton. Building houses on Brown spatial policies Green Belt is unacceptable when other brownfield sites are available in the area. Extending Chanters Industrial Estate would increase noise and traffic pollution. The link road would create noise and traffic pollution and significantly increase the pressure on the already congested Bolton Road. The improvement of open space provision is welcome subject to the provision of increased resources to provide an effective enforcement regime. Additional capacity on the Atherton to Manchester rail network is welcomed, but should be provided outside the core strategy. The Leigh/Tyldesley/Manchester rail link should be reopened rather than the unpopular Leigh Guided Busway. Mrs Muriel Our preferred Question 15 The proposal will pollute the the open space provision in the area rather than improve it. There are Jones spatial policies many disused sites that should be developed before spoiling the natural environment. Bypassing the town centre will mean the demise of the town centre. Atherton needs more central businesses to revitalise the local community and bring optimism back. New housing is not required as many existing houses are empty in the area.

92 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Geoff Our preferred Question 15 Totally object for various reasons including the loss of green open land, increased congestion on Eastham spatial policies already congested roads leading to increased pollution, health risks, traffic noise, longer travel times, and an increase in traffic using residential areas as rat-runs. More housing not needed as many new houses in Atherton stand empty. A substantial employer is needed to make a difference not lower amenity employment. Atherton station already heavily subscribed and car parking cannot cope. Where will the children be educated when the school closes? The objective of supporting commuting to jobs in the Regional Centre is contradictory to the one seeking to provide local job opportunities.

Cllr Karen Our preferred Question 15 I want to put in a request not to place a road in the Douglas field as it is not a good junction. It is Aldred spatial policies gridlocked as it is. It will affect a lot of residents as it is too close to their properties. Mr William Our preferred Question 15 No need for more housing as many flats are empty. Brownfield land should be used instead of Croughan spatial policies greenfield. Other matters include the impact on the environment, noise, pollution, increased traffic, insufficient parking spaces at the railway station and the impact on schools. Consider the notion that people will walk to be a pipe dream. Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 15 There are records of properties at risk of sewer flooding in this area. It is important that surface water Hardman spatial policies is separated and not discharged to the combined public sewer. Mr Bryan Atherton Our preferred Question 15 The site should not be developed in advance of more sustainably located sites within the urban area Weddell Estates spatial policies e.g. Atherton Mill. Support the broad east-west development and are encouraged that the Council are seeking to invest in Atherton. Robert Acland Our preferred Question 15 Support except the proviso that housing on the site should only be released when additional capacity Rawlinson Bracewell spatial policies at peak times on rail services from Atherton station to Manchester is committed. Surveyors Limited Barry King Greater Our preferred Question 15 The case for East of Atherton over emphasises the level of commuting in its support. Manchester spatial policies Joint Transportation Policy Team Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 15 Whilst the site is in Flood Zone 1, Hindsford Brook is classified as an ordinary watercourse and as Telfer Agency spatial policies such is not modelled on our maps. The Stage 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment will need to consider this in more detail. The site may contain possible contamination as it is known to contain a mixture of possible landfills, which are not licenced by us. This may limit the scale and nature of redevelopment.

93 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Michael Our preferred Question 15 The description in both the report and in the Borough Life leaflet is inaccurate, either because the Hope spatial policies authors are not as familiar with the area as they think, or it is a deliberate attempt to paint the area in question as a different picture altogether. The site is not a former tip. The former tip is the Cutacre site. Ms Elaine Our preferred Question 15 Opposed due to the negative effect on residents in the Douglas Road area, increased traffic along Walshe spatial policies Bolton Road giving rise to risk of accidents, the detrimental impact on the environment, and the impacts on already overcrowded schools and amenities. There are more appropriate sites within the borough. The plan hasn't been subject to public consultation. Mrs Jennifer Our preferred Question 15 No need for housing as many existing houses remain empty. Bypassing the town centre will Hornby spatial policies detrimentally affect its vitality and viability. The land is not derelict and is used for horse grazing and recreation. Other issues raised include capacity at the station and the impact of the school closure. Gadbury Fold Industrial Estate and the Barrs site are more appropriate for employment and housing respectively. Mr Andrew Our preferred Question 15 No need for housing as many existing houses remain empty. Bypassing the town centre will Hornby spatial policies detrimentally affect its vitality and viability. The land is not derelict and is used for horse grazing and recreation. Other issues raised include capacity at the station and the impact of the school closure. Gadbury Fold Industrial Estate and the Barrs site are more appropriate for employment and housing respectively. Mr Brian AstleyMosley Our preferred Question 15 Concerned that the development will significantly increase the demand for school places despite the Wilson Common and spatial policies closure of Hesketh Fletcher. T o ensure sufficient places within the locality a site should be identified Tyldesley for a new school in Atherton. Labour Party Mrs E S Munro Our preferred Question 15 Object to the proposed road as there is already a bad bend, a black spot for accidents, a railway spatial policies bridge and line which already cause traffic problems at peak times. Uncertain where the children will be educated when Hesketh Fletcher closes. Mr & Mrs Ian & Our preferred Question 15 Opposed due to increased congestion on Bolton Road resulting in increased risk of accidents; noise Susan spatial policies pollution; loss of green belt; and the detrimental impact on retail trade in Atherton. Considers Gibfield Postlewaite to be a more appropriate location for employment as it focuses businesses in one area. Marton Drive is prone to flooding and the development will increase flood risk. B Croft Our preferred Question 15 Opposed to the proposals as it will cause more gridlock on Bolton Road which is already over spatial policies congested and an accident black spot, and result in the loss of green space. More homes are not needed in Atherton as many recently built properties remain empty.

94 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 15 Potential for the site to be accessed sustainably but infrastructure needed and minimising any Alder Agency spatial policies impacts on the M61. Phasing of the development in line with public transport capacity and infrastructure improvements is recommended, influencing travel habits at the earliest possible opportunity. The appropriate transport evidence base must be developed in support of aspirations at this location and we require involvement at the earliest stage. This should be identified within the Local Infrastructure Plan. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 15 The delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer. A particular issue is the provision of a link road Office for the spatial policies from Bolton Road to Tyldesley Old Road. North West Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 15 Have aspirations to use some of the land designated to increase park and ride provision serving spatial policies Atherton station, and would like to see this reflected in the policy. Would like the provision of a new eastern access to the station funded through a developer contribution linked to the use of the site. Suggest that there may be some increase in passenger capacity by 2014 but probably not sufficient to meet increasing demand. Tom Miles Homes and Our preferred Question 15 We support this proposal due to its proximity to the railway station and encouraging the use of public Communities spatial policies transport. Agency Neil Wade Our preferred Question 15 The infrastructure will not support the increase in traffic. The proposal to build 600 homes while spatial policies closing the local high school suggests a lack of joined up thinking. Mrs H A Aldred Our preferred Question 15 Object to link road going through open land. There is not enough room at the bottom of Arley Way to spatial policies accommodate the road. Garrett Hall, Astley Mr Peter Our preferred Question 16 Why are there proposals for a 'bus-way' which would seem totally out of step with the rest of Greater Williams spatial policies Manchester? An extension to the tram system would be a better option. Surely trams are less polluting and quieter. Also there looks to be stops close together in the Tyldesley area. Mr Peter Our preferred Question 16 Why is more land needed for industrial units around Garrett Hall when the units across the road from Williams spatial policies the proposed area (at Mosley Common) are still not fully utilised? Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 16 Problems of sewer flooding in this area. Surface water should be separated and not discharged to the Hardman spatial policies combined public sewer. You should also be aware that there are public sewers passing through this development and we will not allow building in their proximity Mr Andrew Our preferred Question 16 Confused how a site, which may be in the greenbelt, that was overturned at the High Court for a Pringle spatial policies previous planning permission, that was also objected to by the local Ward Councillors, is now classed as a strategic site? Also of concern is the projected traffic congestion that this would bring to both the A572 Chaddock Lane and the A577 Sale Lane onto the A580 at the 'rush hour'. In terms of housing development, greater efforts are best expended on brownfield development. What will be done to improve local services to accommodate the new residents? 95 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Robert Acland Our preferred Question 16 Support but do not believe that it should be witheld from development until the Leigh Guided Busway Rawlinson Bracewell spatial policies is completed. Surveyors Limited Peel Our preferred Question 16 Support but consider that the link road between A572 and A577 is not necessary. Also that the Investments spatial policies release of the land for development should not be dependant on the construction of the Leigh Guided (North) Ltd Busway. Wish the site to be expanded to include land to the south-east. Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 16 Parts of this site lie within flood zones 2 and 3 (fluvial risk from Astley Brook). As part of the spatial Telfer Agency spatial policies policy we would expect reference to be made to ensuring that there is no impact / increased risk of flooding. Access to Astley Brook must be maintained to allow for any future maintenance and inspection purposes. We will require 8 metres from the top of bank to allow us to carry out these functions. The sequential approach and green infrastructure should be applied where feasible.

Mr Brian AstleyMosley Our preferred Question 16 Object on the basis of amount of new development in the area in recent years and extra pressure put Wilson Common spatial policies on local schools. andTyldesley Labour Party Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 16 The Garrett Hall site is located far enough away from the Strategic Route Network that the Agency Alder Agency spatial policies has no comment on any development proposals at this location. Langtree Group Our preferred Question 16 Support but does not consider that they should be phased ahead of available previously-developed Plc spatial policies sites in the vicinity. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 16 The delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer. Particular issues will be the provision of a link Office for the spatial policies road from the A577 Mosley Common Road to the A572 Chaddock Lane and dealing with flood risk North West Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 16 It is not clear how the busway could effect delivery of housing spatial policies Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 16 Necessary to ensure that Chaddock Lane remains open to buses throughout the new primary spatial policies employment area. Ashton-in-Makerfield Mr David Our preferred Question 17 Objects due to increased traffic in Ashton town centre (including heavy goods vehicles accessing McKendrick spatial policies from the motorway), the findings of the 2005 inspectors report, and a poor case for the school proposals. Consider the land adjacent to the motorway at junction 25 to be more appropriate as more accessible, especially if the junction is made two-way.

96 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Cllr Nigel Ash Our preferred Question 17 Partly agree and partly disagree . Agree with enhanced retail and service provision in Ashton town spatial policies centre, enhanced facilities at Bryn station and improved bus services, improved connectivity for walking, cycling and bus services, and other measures to reduce the impact of traffic on the town centre. Disagree with the development of Stubshaw Cross and Landgate, the building of a new road and the siting of a new school in the area. As it goes from one trunk road to another, the proposed road will not relieve congestion in Ashton town centre - the A5225 would have been the answer as confirmed in the Inspectors Report for the last UDP. There is no evidence that J25 will become 2-way even in the long term. The Building Schools for the Future proposals for Ashton will be in the third phase of investment and consultation has not begun. The proposed school site does not fit with the vision for regenerating Ashton town centre and would increase traffic as it's unlikely that the new road would be built before the school. A better alternative for the Byrchall site would be a further education facility as post-16 students have to travel outside Ashton at present. Mr Brian Our preferred Question 17 Proposals for Bolton Road/Lockett Road depend greatly on transport and highway improvements Wilson spatial policies which cannot be guaranteed. Without these guarantees, traffic difficulties and congestion will increase, further reducing the quality of life for local residents. The Byrchall High School site appears to contain enough space to accommodate any requirements for improvement or addition.

Jockey Club Our preferred Question 17 Broadly support. However recommend that an additional bullet should be included along the lines of: Racecourses spatial policies "Support sustainable residential development in Ashton". Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 17 Support the proposals to enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre and particularly the Limited spatial policies identification of the need for further retailing, recognising the opportunity presented by the gas works site if the town centre is to be enhanced. Brown Our preferred Question 17 Object including for increased traffic on Bolton Road, increased noise and pollution, loss of green belt, spatial policies loss of 193 acres of agricultural land, loss of wildlife and impact on people's health. Object to school due to proximity to industrial estate and lack of need when there are 2 good schools already.

Mr and Mrs F Our preferred Question 17 Opposed due to loss of green belt, loss of wildlife, increased noise and pollution, increased traffic and Mackay spatial policies a detrimental impact on health and safety of residents. It is also contrary to Policy EM1A as demonstrated in the Inspectors Report regarding the Ashton Northern Bypass. Opposed to school proposals as already have 3 good schools in the area. Mrs Veronica Our preferred Question 17 Opposed due to loss of green belt, loss of wildlife, increased noise and pollution, increased traffic and Hayes spatial policies a detrimental impact on health and safety of residents. It is also contrary to Policy EM1A as demonstrated in the Inspectors Rport regarding the Ashton Northern Bypass. Opposed to school proposals as already have 3 good schools in the area.

97 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response K Roby-Elliott Our preferred Question 17 Object including for the loss of Green Belt, woodland and established trees, the impact on wildlife spatial policies (including protected species) and increased pollution, traffic and congestion. The industrial estate should not have been built until a road from/to the M6 was built for traffic feeding the estate. Land alongside the M6 is ideal for the proposed developments. Mrs Margaret Our preferred Question 17 Object, including for the loss of Green Belt, agricultural land, recreational areas and flora and fauna Southworth spatial policies including protected species; noise, pollution and traffic; the destruction of archaeological heritage; and increased flood risk. Testing has been done on part of the site and the land has been found unsuitable for building due to the presence of mine shafts. Mr B Hogan Our preferred Question 17 Agree with all of the proposals outlined by the officials of MAD at the meeting at Stubshaw Cross spatial policies Labour Club on 27 July 2009. Listen to the people living round this area and the surrounding district. They are the ones most affected by this scheme if it goes ahead. William Baxter Our preferred Question 17 Object to the proposed school and new link road due to increased traffic especially on Bolton Road. spatial policies Children will be at risk due to proximity to busy road. Money would be better invested developing the current school sites especially as new buildings have only recently been erected.

R Wilkinson Our preferred Question 17 Object due to increased noise and pollution and non-compliance with Policy EM1A and the findings of spatial policies the government inspectors report, which concludes that the road would not relieve traffic problems in Ashton. Section 9.138 incorrectly states that Stubshaw Cross is alongside the M6 motorway. Object to the school site because of its proximity to South Lancs Industrial Estate and associated pollution and dangers. H Wilkinson Our preferred Question 17 Object due to increased noise and pollution and non-compliance with Policy EM1A and the findings of spatial policies the government inspectors report, which concludes that the road would not relieve traffic problems in Ashton. Section 9.138 incorrectly states that Stubshaw Cross is alongside the M6 motorway. Object to the school site because of its proximity to South Lancs Industrial Estate and associated pollution and dangers. K J Wilkinson Our preferred Question 17 Object due to increased noise and pollution and non-compliance with Policy EM1A and the findings of spatial policies the government inspectors report, which concludes that the road would not relieve traffic problems in Ashton. Section 9.138 incorrectly states that Stubshaw Cross is alongside the M6 motorway. Object to the school site because of its proximity to South Lancs Industrial Estate and associated pollution and dangers. J A & B Cowell Our preferred Question 17 Support. They would not object to the use of the Green Belt land at Lily Farm to build the proposed spatial policies access road. Since used for opencast coal extraction in the 1950s it has never returned to a successfully fertile piece of agricultural land. Mrs A M Daley Our preferred Question 17 Object due to increased traffic, noise, pollution and safety (both road and pedestrian) in the area. Also spatial policies the loss of Green Belt land when there are a number of brownfield sites in the area. Why can the new school not be built on one of the existing sites?

98 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr & Mrs Phillip Our preferred Question 17 Support. & Joyce Broster spatial policies

Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 17 The aims to increase service provision, enhance and improve public transport facilities and support Alder Agency spatial policies measures to reduce the impact of traffic are welcomed. If a sound transport evidence base can be prepared to support development aspirations within Ashton-in-Makerfield, then sites coming forward in this location should be able to emerge on a sustainable basis whilst minimising any impact at the Strategic Route Network. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 17 The delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer. Particular issues will be the provision of the Office for the spatial policies northern and southern sections of the relief road for Ashton, dealing with flood risk and school North West provision. It is stated that the policy will seek to enhance retail provision in the town centre by utilising sites such as the former gasworks and the market place. Is it proposed that the boundary of the primary shopping area will be redrawn, either via the Core Strategy or a subsequent Development Plan Document? Ian Our preferred Question 17 Object because of the increase in noise and pollution that an expansion of the South Lancs Industrial Tushingham spatial policies Estate and the development of warehousing at Landgate would bring. Mr John Our preferred Question 17 Object including for the loss of agricultural land, ponds, wildlife habitats, and woodland; increased Cooper spatial policies noise and pollution, increased traffic particularly HGVs, and the loss of views. More employment units are not needed as there are large unused warehouses all across the borough. The school site will increase traffic, particularly at 'school run' times. Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 17 Paragraph 9.143 - bus links to Newton-le-Willows as a rail-head for services to Manchester are to be spatial policies supported in principle, although previous comments about affordability will obviously apply. Landgate Mr I C Higson Our preferred Question 18 Whilst offsetting some traffic issues, it's unlikely to reduce traffic from Golborne/Leigh/Platt Bridge spatial policies and will make traffic worse. No need for new employment when existing units are empty. Council should invest in Ashton town centre itself. The side of Ashton nearest the motorway is more suitable for employment. The proposed school site is difficult to access. An existing school should be developed instead. Greenbank Our preferred Question 18 Support. The site is able to deliver infrastructure improvements that will reduce congestion within Partnerships spatial policies Ashton town centre and is an attractive location for commercial and industrial investment.

Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 18 There are records of properties at risk of sewer flooding in this area. It is important that surface water Hardman spatial policies is separated and not discharged to the combined public sewer. There is an aqueduct at the north of the site and a water trunk main passing through and we will not allow building in their proximity.

99 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 18 This area contains a large wetland site, yet neither the policy nor text makes reference to this area. Waymont Manchester spatial policies There is a reference to "enhanced open space" but it is not clear where this is. Specific reference Ecology Unit should be made to protecting and enhancing this wetland habitat. If the wetland were to be lost significant compensation is likely to be required and we would then question the allocation of this area. Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 18 The area is poorly drained and there may be difficulty with surface water disposal to the existing Telfer Agency spatial policies watercourse system if large impermeable areas are proposed. Site contains ditches, ponds and fishing lodges which should be retained if possible and incorporated into development proposals. Ecological surveys required if proposals were to affect these features to determine ecological value. The fishing lodges have contained invasive weeds in the past. Site may contain contamination as located on a former landfill site and near another. Information is provided. Mrs Elizabeth Our preferred Question 18 Object because of noise, air pollution, loss of green spaces, lakes and ponds, impact on wildlife and Brown spatial policies increased traffic. The proposed road will not alleviate the problem as confirmed in a government report. No need for new employment when existing units stand empty. It contradictions to the Spatial Vision. No need for a new school when there are 3 already. Mr G Richards Our preferred Question 18 Objects because of a lack of need for industrial units when many are empty, loss of wildlife, loss of spatial policies green fields and development close to areas prone to flooding. Mr A Mayall Our preferred Question 18 Object including for loss of fields, ponds, wildlife and an area well used for recreation. New units are spatial policies not needed in short to medium term with many existing units empty and should not be considered in current financial climate. Land adjacent to the A49 spur is more appropriate for employment. No-one will use the proposed road as it will seem a greater distance to travel. Mr and Mrs Our preferred Question 18 Object to the development of a junction on A49 it would take away privacy and be an accident black Roberts spatial policies spot. Object to the proposed school site at Landgate due to overlooking and the number of pupils attending the school. Also object to the loss of 193 acres of agricultural land, ponds, wildlife and woodland. Stubshaw Cross Mr John Our preferred Question 19 MAD and local councillors lobbied against this last time and thousands signed petitions to help get the Harrison spatial policies land preserved as Green Belt, because of existing traffic congestion. This proposal is no different to the last one, except for the new super school. Combining two schools into one will mean more congestion on an already struggling infrastructure. Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 19 There are records of properties at risk of sewer flooding in this area. It is important that surface water Hardman spatial policies is separated and not discharged to the combined public sewer. There is a water trunk main at the south of this site and we will not allow building in its proximity.

100 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Cllr Paul Allen Our preferred Question 19 Object in line with original objections at the time of Patrick Properties. Need to preserve green open Tushingham spatial policies spaces and use existing brownfield areas. Stubshaw Cross should be designated as Green Belt. Object to the proposed closure of 2 schools andd the replacement school at Stubshaw Cross. My objection made against the UDP remain unchanged. Rt Hon Ian Our preferred Question 19 The vision for a public service campus in Ashton town centre, agreed in principle some years ago, McCartney MP spatial policies has been downgraded to a 'contact point for council services', whilst in the BDP plan the health service component has become the single anchor investment, which in turn runs contrary to the LDF proposal that the health facility be placed alongside the new schoo at Stubshaw Cross. This is not joined-up thinking and is contrary to all public consultations by BDP and myself over the last few years. Rt Hon Ian Our preferred Question 19 Employment units at Stubshaw Cross will create further traffic chaos and pollution; the land should be McCartney MP spatial policies used for the leisure. The proposed road will add to traffic congestion, not relieve it as concluded in the report by Dr. John Holden of the Highways Agency. No decision has been taken to build a new school in Stubshaw Cross. Any new school should be a major component of the regeneration of Ashton town centre; and be a campus that brings together a range of community facilities, including a medical centre and a modern town hall where people can access council services and other agencies. Cllr Nigel Ash Our preferred Question 19 The planned road would not be an answer to congestion in Ashton. There needs to be an in depth spatial policies enquiry into the traffic problems of Ashton which looks at traffic movement, especially with relation to HGVs in and out of the town centre. Cllr Nigel Ash Our preferred Question 19 As it goes from one trunk road to another, the proposed road will not relieve congestion - the A5225 spatial policies would have been the answer as it would take traffic away from Ashton as confirmed in the Inspectors Report for the last UDP. The Building Schools for the Future proposals for Ashton will be in the third phase of investment and consultation has not begun. The proposed school site does not fit with the vision for regenerating Ashton town centre and would increase traffic as it's unlikely that the new road would be built before the school. A better alternative for the Byrchall site would be a further education facility as post-16 students have to travel outside Ashton at present. Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 19 This area appears to support a number of ponds. No mention is made of the existing biodiversity Waymont Manchester spatial policies interest of the site. If the site has been allocated as an extension to the South Lancashire Industrial Ecology Unit Estate since January 1996, a protected species survey should have already been undertaken on it to ensure none are present. Mrs Elizabeth Our preferred Question 19 Object because of noise, air pollution, loss of green spaces, lakes and ponds, impact on wildlife, and Brown spatial policies increased traffic. The proposed road will not alleviate the problem as confirmed in a government report. There is no need for new employment when existing units stand empty. It contradicts the Spatial Vision. There is no need for a new school when there are 3 already.

101 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Allan Our preferred Question 19 Object because of the destruction of Green Belt and approximately 193 acres of agricultural land; the Tushingham spatial policies loss of ponds, wildlife habitat, woodland, hedgerows, and well established trees; the increase in noise and pollution; increased traffic through Ashton and Bryn, including HGVs. Also against the school closures and proposed new school at Stubshaw Cross. Ms R Davies Our preferred Question 19 Object due to increased traffic, particularly in Ashton town centre, and the loss of green fields and a spatial policies historic farmhouse. Sat navs would still show the route via Ashton town centre as the shortest route to the industrial estate from both north and southbound on the M6. Mr & Mrs T Our preferred Question 19 Object including fir the loss of views, impact on property values, increased noise, loss of wildlife and Mann spatial policies habitats, increased HGV use on Bolton Road and associated risk to pedestrians and likelihood of units remaining vacant in a recession resulting in vandalism/rat infestation. Object to school due to increased traffic, parking issues, and proximity to industrial estate. Concerned that people will resort to using the backs of houses on thoroughfares unsuitable for traffic. Stubshaw Cross is not situated alongside the M6 as stated at paragraph 9.138. Ms Alice Our preferred Question 19 Object for reasons including loss of Green Belt and wildlife habitats, increased noise and pollution, Forsyth spatial policies increased traffic, impact on property values, and flood risk. No need for industrial when units remain empty. Land adjacent Junction 25 more appropriate for employment. Object to school site because of proximity to industrial estate, increased traffic and pollution. Mrs Christine Our preferred Question 19 The road would carry HGVs to a section of the A49 within an Air Quality Management Area which Calder spatial policies would contravene Policy EV1B of the UDP. Increased traffic (including HGVs), loss of fields, wildlife and habitats, and increased food risk. 3 good schools already and will take away choice. There will be too many pupils on one site. Mrs Jean Our preferred Question 19 Object because of the increase in noise and pollution; loss of wildlife habitats; and increased traffic; Darbyshire spatial policies and proximity of proposed school site to industrial estate with HGVs and pollution. Land near to junction 25 of the M6 at Landgate is more appropriate if it becomes a 2-way junction. Miss Doreen Our preferred Question 19 Object due to loss of Green Belt, agricultural land and wildlife habitats; increase in noise and pollution; Forster spatial policies increase in HGVs along Bryn Road. Lorry drivers would continue to use existing roads as they would be shorter. Object to school due to close proximity to industrial estate, increased traffic and too many pupils involved. School is not needed as school rolls will fall dramatically if St Helens withdraws its funding for pupils. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 19 Will have to be brought forward sustainably to ensure that the M6 is not impacted upon. Should be Alder Agency spatial policies developed in tandem with the Local Infrastructure Plan to ensure development can be accommodated by existing and proposed sustainable modes infrastructure. The proposals for highway improvements linking the sites should be assessed through an iterative process with a range of schemes identified and tested to find the most appropriate, sustainable solution.

102 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Stephanie Our preferred Question 19 All for regeneration as long as it is the right type. No need for more industrial premises in current Brooks spatial policies economic climate. The road was refused before, what has changed? Three Sisters/Viridor Woods should be further developed. The proposal will not ease traffic problems. Better school buses and 2- way junctions at junctions 24 and 25 are needed. Health and recreation Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 20 It would be beneficial to include an explicit reference to the contribution of culture to improved health Turczynski and Culture core policies and well-being. Reword bullet point 10 to include reference to culture in context of Building Schools Trust for the Future. Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 20 The policy should note that open spaces can also be important for their heritage value. Nelson Heritage core policies Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Our preferred Question 20 The policy and text should identify what cultural facilities will be developed and where. core policies Mr David Evans Wigan & Leigh Our preferred Question 20 Support. Health Services core policies N H S Trust

Peter Rowe Ashton, Leigh & Our preferred Question 20 Opportunity to work with planning welcomed, particularly with regard to: incorporating health policy Wigan Primary core policies recommendations from Royal Town Planning Institute and National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Care Trust flexibility, the PCT's future estates strategy and health impact assessments.

Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 20 Broadly agree. We would highlight Natural England's 'Natural Health Service' campaign, launched Holding core policies recently. John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 20 The requirement for 'Health Impact Assessments' should exclude minerals development. Ltd core policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 20 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 20 This is a good policy but again the delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer. Office for the core policies North West Strong, safe and attractive communities Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 21 Policy should be more proactive in respect of amenity. Nelson Heritage core policies Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Our preferred Question 21 Policy should also consider road safety. Committee core policies Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 21 Support the provision of retail facilities in local communities to help facilitate sustainable regeneration. Limited core policies

103 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 21 Development of the former radiator factory site in Leigh is in conformity with this policy by improving Norris Harvestor core policies environmental quality. Limited Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 21 Broad support for principles of sustainability. Holding core policies John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 21 Clarification needed of Community Infrastructure Levy proposals and that it not be levied on minerals Ltd core policies proposals. Object to reference to environment being 'scarred' by past mining activity. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 21 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 21 Parts of this policy may be more suitable as part of a development management policy. Office for the core policies North West Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 21 Need to consider ground conditions / stability. Harrison Authority core policies CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 21 General support. Community Infrastructure Levy requirements should only apply when directly core policies correlated to the development. Education and learning Ms Ann Jones Our preferred Question 22 The buildings are the least important factor in raising educational standards. You need good core policies discipline; teachers who are not overburdened by bureaucracy; parents who value learning; books and paper; and headteachers with common sense. All the buildings need are watertight roofs and clean toilets. David Lea Our preferred Question 22 The proposed educational campus at Hesketh Meadow in Lowton threatens to cause traffic gridlock core policies morning and afternoon on a major commuter route, unless the scheme is modified substantially and other access points established to the site. The road links outside the borough to motorways in particular are very relevant to this issue. Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 22 Our educational system needs a national breakthrough in provision for people with barriers to Finnigan core policies education such as part-time workers who cannot commit to particular study times, and people in receipt of benefits who are often denied from seeking worthwhile vocational courses. More funding may be required. Using funding for such positive moves would do so much more for the community than the funding currently used to maintain the present poor, old, forlorn out-moded system. Mr Graham Standish Our preferred Question 22 The proposed replacement school at Standish is unneeded and unwanted. Both existing schools Wilcock Community core policies have the capacity to be enlarged and to sustain a long term future. A super high school would require Forum students to be bused in with subsequent environmental impact. The two existing school sites would become redundant brownfield sites open to more house building and development. The existing infrastructure, in particular the highways, are already at full capacity and would not cope with the extra burden.

104 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 22 The policy should cover the future for redundant schools where these make a positive contribution to Nelson Heritage core policies the character and appearance of an area. Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Our preferred Question 22 Should include a statement to make educational establishments accessible to all and to make the Committee core policies curriculum accessible to all including people with physical, sensory and learning difficulties. Barry King Greater Our preferred Question 22 The transportation impact of the schools for the future programme does not seem to have been Manchester core policies assessed. Joint Transportation Policy Team Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Our preferred Question 22 We have an interest in the land shown allocated as the proposed school site. Generally agree with the Homes core policies policy but disagree that the school site should be brought forward 'in isolation' with the remaining land being retained as safeguarded land. The land to the south and east of the school site should be considered as part of a comprehensive single entity together with the school allocation which can be brought forward for a sustainable mix of uses. This can be delivered as part of a comprehensive approach to satisfying development needs within the area. Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 22 Whilst we support broadly the principles of sustainability coming through these policies, we have no Holding core policies specific comments to make. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 22 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 22 The delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer. Consultation on 'Schools for the Future' needs to Office for the core policies be integrated with consultation on the Core Strategy. North West Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 22 It will be important to ensure that the transport implications of replacement secondary schools are core policies assessed, to ensure that any new locations are accessible and do not lead to increased use of the car for the 'school run'. Economy and employment Mr Frank Our preferred Question 23 The benefits of office jobs over manufacturing jobs is overstated. Many office workers are bored and Mokrysz core policies disaffected with their jobs. Sitting down for 7 hours a day using computers is hardly challenging or benefical physically. Many office workers suffer from stress. People in manufacturing and manual jobs don't need fancy fitness clubs and special diets and are probably healthier, apart from the higher physical risks of such work. Mr Bryan Atherton Our preferred Question 23 Broadly agree that the right conditions for sustainable economic growth should be fostered by Weddell Estates core policies bringing forward the right quality of sites in the right location to stimulate business development. Agree that the essential approach towards employment development should be the provision of larger strategic sites as opposed to seeking to promote old fashioned uneconomic employment sites containing out of date historic mill style properties.

105 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 23 The level of provision proposed might be considered to be at the lower end of the range identified in Regional core policies the Topic Paper (293-335 hectares). The level of provision identified needs to be seen in context of Development the sub-regional employment land requirement in the Regional Spatial Strategy for an additional 917 Agency hectares across Greater Manchester between 2005 and 2021. The findings of the Greater Manchester Employment Land Position Statement will help to assess the adequacy of the proposed level of provision in Wigan. Mr Simon Bolton Council Our preferred Question 23 The overall approach to employment land of providing 275 hectares up to 2026 supports Bolton's Godley core policies emerging approach. There should be some further clarification about the difference between this total and the total of 292-335 hectares identified in the Wigan Employment Land Review. Paragraph10.63 is ambiguous about whether this difference should be taken into account by neighbouring authorities, including Bolton, or whether it is sufficiently small to be taken into account through a flexible approach within Wigan. Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Our preferred Question 23 We support the bullet point to promote town centres for business and cultural development but the core policies details of what will be developed and where are missing. We suggest that this policy is unnecessary as the document already includes policies for the specific sites mentioned in the accompanying text.

Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 23 Should take account of the fact that retail is a major employer and assists in the provision of jobs at Limited core policies all levels. Should also consider whether the quantity of employment land is realistic to the needs of the borough and not over exaggerated, otherwise this could result in areas of land allocated but, in reality, not likely to be brought forward for this form of development. Orica UK Our preferred Question 23 Attracting growth sectors can only be achieved if the infrastructure and opportunities are in place to core policies support modern economic development. Objective EE4 and Policy CP4 will, in part, contribute to this. The principle behind the release of employment sites no longer suitable for modern occupier requirements to other uses is supported, but to tie their release conditionally to the enabling of the modernisation of other employment sites for employment uses needs further consideration. It needs to be recognised that the redevelopment for alternative uses often generates significant benefits for local communities. The policy should give weight to such additional factors and provide sufficient flexibility to make allowance for their consideration. There is a need to provide high quality new housing development, which caters for the executive market, alongside new employment.

Kingmoor Park Our preferred Question 23 The policy should allow for the modernisation of Primary Employment Areas for employment uses core policies where appropriate alongside other development such as housing.

106 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr John Coxon Emery Planning Our preferred Question 23 The evidence indicates a major shortfall in the supply of employment land in the borough. A policy Partnership core policies approach to restrict employment development in certain part of the borough is inappropriate under these circumstances. The shortfall in the borough can only be addressed through the release of greenfield sites in suitable locations. Travel to work statistics indicate that residents in Standish travel further than the Wigan, North West and national averages. A greater proportion also travel by unsustainable modes of transport whilst fewer walk or cycle to work. Ms Theodora Our preferred Question 23 Support. Hardy core policies Mr Justin Cove BNP Paribas Our preferred Question 23 Welcome the recognition that Cutacre can help contribute towards the shortfall in employment need Real Estate core policies as identified in the Wigan Employment Land Review. Support the reference to the Cutacre site in the sub text as geograhically it is extremely well placed to help Wigan meet its overall strategic objectives for the economy and employment. Support the priorities identified within the Wigan Core Strategy Preferred Options. Monier Ltd Our preferred Question 23 Support. Locations which are unsuitable for modern business should be released for alternative uses core policies and more suitable sites allocated elsewhere. This will enable an employment land supply which is better suited to the needs of modern business and will diversify employment in the borough away from the declining traditional industries. Also support reference to allowing the redevelopment of employment sites for other uses where this would enable the modernisation of existing employment uses. This can be expensive but necessary for some businesses in order for them to be able to compete in a modern market. As such, where existing employment uses are willing to relocate within the Borough, redevelopment of the existing site should be allowed in order to provide the revenue to enable relocation and modernisation. Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 23 Support. It will support the proposed development of their client's site on the edge of Leigh town Norris Harvestor core policies centre. Limited Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 23 Whilst we support broadly the principles of sustainability coming through these policies, we have no Holding core policies specific comments to make.

107 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 23 The Agency can not encourage the location of key sites close to the M6 motorway. However, a sound Alder Agency core policies transport evidence base, coupled with a Local Infrastructure Plan, should ensure that the most suitable sites are taken forward, and unsustainable sites dropped. More clarity is needed as to whether the policy includes previously allocated land through the UDP, and whether the council intend to 'save' these policies to ensure these sites remain allocated. Any development in the western extremities of Wigan South Central may impact upon the operation and safety of the Strategic Route Network. However, the sustainability of these sites would become apparent within any Supllementary Planning Documents, masterplanning, the transport evidence base and the traffic modelling exercise. The 5th bullet point is welcomed as applying this policy would reduce the need to travel by private car using the Strategic Route Network. Langtree Group Our preferred Question 23 The approach is inflexible, not derived from a robust evidence base, lacks clarity, is unable to adapt to Plc core policies changing circumstances, and is undeliverable in certain respects. It is therefore unsound and not in accordance with PPS12. It is narrow focussed and could harm the renaissance of the Borough. Within the supporting text there is little explanation as to the delivery and controls of the fourth bullet point regarding modernisation. It does not explain the vicinity within which the cross-enabling of modernising sites will be considered. There is little justification and explanation as to the restrictiveness of this element of the policy. The Employment Land Review is fairly weak due to the explanation of the survey work and dissemination of the information. It is unclear as to how the sites were scored and the qualitative survey seems extremely subjective. We suggest that the fourth bullet point is amended to state that if existing employment sites are of poor quality or there is a lack of demand for the site, then it will be allowed to be redeveloped for non-employment uses.

Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 23 It would be helpful if the terms 'key growth sectors', 'traditional sectors' and low 'amenity sectors' were Office for the core policies defined. The provision of employment land needs to be informed by the outcome of the Greater North West Manchester study which is examining how to disaggregate the Regional Spatial Strategy requirement. The reference to developing Wigan South Central as a location for regionally significant economic development needs clarification. What type of development is this? The delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer. Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 23 The policy is consistent and has strong links with policies in the Regional Spatial Strategy, particularly core policies policies W1, W3 and MCR5. However the inclusion of dispersed development in the approach is still a concern due to heavy reliance on proposed transport infrastructure. The pending study which will disaggregate the sub-regional employment figure down to district levels will need to inform future policy production and if flexibility is needed (as stated in the document), then this needs to be justified. As there is a lot of emphasis on the strategic sites, appropriateness of these sites should be considered by the Council through the Employment Land Review.

108 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Chris Salford City Our preferred Question 23 The recognition of the importance of providing linkages to employment opportunities outside of the Findley Council core policies Borough is welcomed. However the policy should specifically recognise the potential opportunities in this regard within Salford. Such opportunities include MediaCityUK and the wider Regional Centre, as well as Cutacre within Bolton and Salford, which we are also considering through our Core Strategy Options process. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 23 Support the 4th bullet point but suggest that the following is added at the end - "and where there are core policies wider benefits in releasing land for alternative uses". Paragraph 10.59 - suggest that the local authority should also recognise other sites which are available and suitable for redevelopment, such as Hindley Green Business Park, which can also assist in delivering this funding. Paragraph 10.63 - support the recognition that employment development in neighbouring authorities can create accessible employment for people living in the borough. Do not support the alternative lower and higher growth options in paragraphs 10.69 and 10.70. PPG Industries Our preferred Question 23 Support. The potential development of surplus land at the PPG site for a high value mixed use (UK) core policies development would not only assist the development of Northleigh and South Hindley, but also assist in facilitating the modernisation of PPG's operation and improvements which would provide greater operational efficiencies for existing business. The policy should be explicit in its wording that it relates to all existing employment sites rather than those defined as Primary Employment Areas.

Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 24 Welcome and support the Council's intention to prioritise employment development in Wigan town Regional core policies centre and Wigan South Central in the first 5 years of the Core Strategy. Presume this means that Development other sites would not be brought forward until later in the Plan period. Agency Ms Theodora Our preferred Question 24 Development of 'The Bell' should be given priority with the aim of implementation within the first 5- Hardy core policies year period of the plan. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 24 Agree. Thereafter, brownfield sites in accessible locations within close proximity to residential areas core policies and at low risk of flooding should be considered first for employment. Primary Employment Sites should be considered theoughout the 5 year period and beyond for improvements to existing employment provision. Where sites perform poorly alternative uses should be considered where they would be beneficial to the remainder of the site and surrounding area. Housing Mr Derek Standish is Full Our preferred Question 25 The policies provide for the provision of at least 80% of housing need within the focus zones where Sidebotham core policies the infrastructure can be improved to meet the new residents needs. However this could be strengthened by a further provision:- In order to ensure that at least 80% of residential development takes place within the focus zone residential development outside the focus zone will only be permitted on brownfield sites.

109 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Scott Our preferred Question 25 Instead of building council houses on parts of the land in Leigh why doesn't the council offer this land Fitzgerald core policies to buyers who wish to self-build houses for themselves and their families. Mr Bryan Atherton Our preferred Question 25 Agree that housing growth should be concentrated within the east-west core including Atherton, but Weddell Estates core policies within the first 5 year period priority should be given to sustainable development opportunities, be they previously develop or prevoiusly undeveloped. The focus upon the release of sites within the east- west core should not be at the expense of sustainable options throughout the Borough.

Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 25 Is there a need to refer to specific areas of pre-1919 housing and their future? Nelson Heritage core policies Mr Bob Allen Groundwork Our preferred Question 25 Generally supportive. In terms of standards we should be ensuring that all new housing development Lancashire core policies meets Sustainable Code Level 4. In terms of existing housing stock and vacant buildings there should West & Wigan be a strong policy statement to ensure that high environmental standards are achieved through retro- fitting and redevelopment. Mr Simon Bellway Our preferred Question 25 The Regional Spatial Strategy seeks a total of 17,600 new homes in the period 2003-2021 with at Artiss core policies least 80% on previously-developed land. This is a minimum target and can be exceeded. In the recent past the council has relied upon windfalls and existing commitments but in order to deliver new homes a planned approach is required with appropriate allocations via a Development Plan Document and in the Core Strategy. We have concerns as to whether brownfield land alone can deliver the number of new homes required. The Core Strategy and SHLAA needs to carefully consider the Safeguarded Land identified in the adopted UDP. Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 25 Support but consider that the borough's housing requirements as set out in paragraph 10.81 should Regional core policies be included in the policy. Development Agency Mr Ben McDyre Mcdyre & Co Our preferred Question 25 Golborne should be added to the list of towns where over 80% of housing development should be core policies directed Peel Our preferred Question 25 Generally support but affordable housing policy should have regard to viability, development outside Investments core policies of the east-west core should not be restricted to local needs and the Hindley South key strategic site (North) Ltd should be allowed to come forward within the first 5 years of the plan. Jockey Club Our preferred Question 25 Generally supportive but affordable housing policy should recognise the importance of viability. Also Racecourses core policies concerned over how housing sites outside key strategic sites will be brought forward. Kingmoor Park Our preferred Question 25 Agree with the thrust of the policy. core policies Mr John Coxon Emery Planning Our preferred Question 25 Housing development will be required in Standish, Aspull and Shevington to enable the Council to Partnership core policies meet the Regional Spatial Strategy housing requirements.

110 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 25 Support its aspirations in achieving sustainable development. As part of this we would expect such a Telfer Agency core policies policy to set out minimum standards to achieve in the Code for Sustainable Homes. In line with Part L Buildings regulations. The forecast population and dwelling increase will have an impact on the available water resources. It is critical that more water efficient designs are incorporated in new buildings as technology becomes more widely available and affordable. Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Our preferred Question 25 Support the suggestion that the main focus of development should be in the east-west core. However, Homes core policies if the issue of affordability is to be addressed the release of currently safeguarded land will be required in the outer areas of the Borough. It is unrealistic for the Council to seek to achieve an average density of 40 dwellings per hectare when there is no desire on the part of the property market to deliver 'apartment based' housing schemes. Such schemes are unlikely to be achievable and to base the core strategy on this approach is unrealistic and 'unsound'. Peter Rowe Ashton, Leigh & Our preferred Question 25 A good mix and range of housing types and sizes within neighbourhoods is important to creating a Wigan Primary core policies basis for a balanced community. This would ensure that older residents have choices for alternative Care Trust housing and can remain within their residential area, thus supporting cohesive communities.

Monier Ltd Our preferred Question 25 Support but considers that it should set a quantifiable target for the amount of new housing core policies development on previously-developed land. Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 25 Whilst we support broadly the principles of sustainability coming through these policies, we have no Holding core policies specific comments to make. Mr Andrew GVA Grimley Our preferred Question 25 We support the partnership approach highlighted in paragraph 10.89. The majority landowners are Thompson core policies committed to a collaborative approach to the development and implementation of the proposals for the West Leigh Canalside site. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 25 The Agency is encouraged by the initiative of locating new housing established urban areas. It will Alder Agency core policies reduce the need to travel by private car. In addition, the priority given to the emerging sites on previously-developed land and ones that deliver key infrastructure are also welcomed. Langtree Group Our preferred Question 25 Support the need to deliver affordable housing but consider that the policy is too rigid and inflexible Plc core policies and not based in reality. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 25 Reference needs to be made to the Regional Spatial Strategy brownfield requirement. There is a Office for the core policies need to set out criteria for the location of gypsy and traveller sites and travelling showpeople sites. It North West needs to be clarified what the implications of the GM housing growth point bid are for Wigan. The proposed level of housing growth needs to be confirmed through the statutory planning process and included in the Local Development Framework. It is recommended that the policy sets out the overall target for the amount of affordable housing to be provided. At publication stage the Core Strategy should include trajectories in respect of previously-developed land and the rate of housing delivery in accordance with paragraphs 43 and 55 of PPS3.

111 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 25 There seems to be a strong emphasis on the strategic sites, however it is unclear what proportion of core policies the overall housing provision will be delivered through them. Although the housing figure set by the Regional Spatial Strategy is mentioned in the supporting text, none of the policies as currently set out state what overall level of housing Wigan is hoping to achieve over the plan period. JG Boardman Our preferred Question 25 Advocate the development of Rothwells Farm safeguarded land site for housing development. core policies Mr Chris Salford City Our preferred Question 25 Support. However, Wigan has a large housing requirement through the Regional Spatial Strategy Findley Council core policies which may also require the release of some greenfield sites. The policy framework should be clear about the intention to deliver at least 80% of new dwellings on previously-developed land as required by Policy L4 of the Regional Spatial Strategy. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 25 Generally support but affordable housing should be informed by a viability assessment. Also doubt core policies the deliverability of parts of the housing land supply. PPG Industries Our preferred Question 25 Support. (UK) core policies Jockey Club Our preferred Question 25 Generally support but it should recognise that affordable housing provision is also dependent on Racecourses core policies viability. Also unclear how smaller, non-strategic housing sites will be dealt with since the council is not progressing the Allocations and Infrastructure development plan document. Orica UK Our preferred Question 26 Further recognition needs to be given to the complex relationships between economic focal points core policies and new housing for a skilled workforce. To achieve this it is inevitable that there will be an element of dispersal of development across the Borough, but with a particular emphasis on the west where stronger links can be forged between Wigan town centre employment opportunities and high quality housing in western settlements such as Shevington. Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Our preferred Question 26 Within the first 5 years of the plan period a range of sites need to be provided. Providing a range of Homes core policies sites will address the issue of mix of house types in tenure. Such a range cannot be based upon a single strategic site at Northleigh CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 26 Support the priority given to Northleigh key strategic site and other sites in the east-west core in the core policies first 5 years. Retail and centres Cllr Gareth Our preferred Question 27 A new junction between Standish and Orrell should link the M6 to Heinz and Martland Mill. It could William core policies also link to the M58 with a sweeping link road so that traffic flows freely from the M6 to the M58. Fairhurst David Lea Our preferred Question 27 Atherton's one way system should be improved. Tyldesley's town centre is grossly unsuitable for core policies current needs and volume, with access to/from Astley being a particular problem. Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 27 The policy should include reference to the need for conservation area enhancement. Nelson Heritage core policies

112 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Richard Frudd Prudential P.I.M Our preferred Question 27 Generally support but consider a greater emphasis could be placed on the retail and service offer of core policies places such as Wigan South Central and Robin Park. Robin Park Retail Park should be included in the retail hierarchy. Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 27 Welcome the hierarchy of centres. Question whether an 800 metres distance is appropriate and Limited core policies consider 500m might be a more sustainable option. The Council should give consideration to defining secondary / tertiary frontages to independent retailers. Peter Rowe Ashton, Leigh & Our preferred Question 27 Would support developing appropriate leisure facilities for a more mature age group, as referred to by Wigan Primary core policies the National Support Team on Alcohol. Care Trust

Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 27 To maintain and enhance the role of Leigh, the Council needs to proactively plan for it including Norris Harvestor core policies identifying suitable sites for development. In undertaking site selection, in accordance with national Limited policy, we consider that the former radiator factory site should be considered for town centre uses including A1 retail and commercial leisure. Sainsbury's Our preferred Question 27 Support, particularly the aims to enhance smaller town centres and to ensure residents are within 800 Supermarkets core policies metres walk of food/convenience shops. Ltd Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 27 Whilst we support broadly the principles of sustainability coming through these policies, we have no Holding core policies specific comments to make. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 27 Support. It will reduce the need to travel by private car and reduce impact on the strategic route Alder Agency core policies network. Mr Ben Cushman and Our preferred Question 27 The policy should have regard to the importance of Robin Park for retail and leisure. Some forms of Wrighton Wakefield core policies retail development that will make up retail need may not be able to locate in existing town centres, given availability and suitability of sites. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 27 The 25 local centres need to be listed in the core strategy. Office for the core policies North West CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 27 Agree but consider that it should recognise the ability of unallocated sites that meet tests in PPS6 to core policies contribute towards retail provision. Policy should make provision for residential and employment areas to have access to convenience retail within close proximity. Accessibility Mr Derek Standish is Full Our preferred Question 28 East-west transport infrastructure is necessary but insufficient. A5225 should be constructed with the Sidebotham core policies inner lane as a bus lane permitting the fast movement of public transport off the congested pre-motor traffic urban streets currently used.

113 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Scott Our preferred Question 28 A guided bus route in Leigh would be an inadequate use of public funds as it is the least likely Fitzgerald core policies scheme to withstand higher demands placed upon it by an increased commuter load and population size in the future. A rail link would be preferable. Where is the research into the guided busway for costs and comparison to re-establishing the rail link? Mr Scott Our preferred Question 28 Where are the plans for reducing traffic and congestion on Twist Lane especially with even more Fitzgerald core policies development? Make Twist Lane a no-through road. J Russell Our preferred Question 28 Before building new homes look at car parking on estates. There are too many cars on estates and core policies people use them as rat-runs. David Lea Our preferred Question 28 Improvements in road and rail infrastructure within the borough and with outside areas are essential if core policies the borough is to function as an entity and provide access to job opportunities. Resources must be spread evenly around the borough. Focus around Atherleigh Way and impact of Parkside and various congested areas. Providing a rail link for Leigh instead of the unproven guided busway and re- establishing a station at Golborne. Mr Ian Gill West Our preferred Question 28 Please include Skelmersdale and West Lancashire in list of destinations that would benefit from Lancashire core policies public transport imrovements. This will help to ensure that 'The Bell' can be accessed by those living Borough in the Eastern Parishes of West Lancashire by public transport. Council Mr Phil Megson Lancashire Our preferred Question 28 The first bullet, 2nd sub-bullet is supported. County Council core policies Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 28 A clearer distinction needs to be drawn between improving transport infrastructure and services and Regional core policies the location of new development in relation to such facilities. Inappropriate reference to Regional Development Funding Allocation. Policy SP3 omitted from list. Limited regional funding available for transport Agency infrastructure in short and medium term. Schemes not shown on key diagram. Barry King Greater Our preferred Question 28 Clarity over transport infrastructure requirements welcome. Not clear whether this essential to enable Manchester core policies development of each site. Not costed so deliverability questionable given limited availability of public Joint sector funding. Phasing not clear and impact on motorway network still to be tested. Transportation Policy Team Miss Rachael Chorley Council Our preferred Question 28 Please include Chorley in the list of destinations that would benefit from public transport imrovements. Hulme core policies Peter Rowe Ashton, Leigh & Our preferred Question 28 The Health Impact Assessment work undertaken on the initial plan for the A5225 road should be Wigan Primary core policies utilised. The Trust and Planning should work together to identify the cross cutting issues including Care Trust 'Active Travel Plans'.

Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 28 Broadly agree. We would expect to see reference to the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for the Holding core policies Borough, however.

114 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 28 Criterion 9 refers to meeting the needs of freight 'wherever practicable'. Suggest additional Ltd core policies considerations be taken into account including 'feasibility and economic viability' along with the 'type and duration of the development proposed.' Mr Andrew GVA Grimley Our preferred Question 28 Support. Agree that the delivery of these will be dependent upon strong partnership and the Thompson core policies development of the key strategic sites. However, paragraph 10.123 must recognise that the key strategic sites may not be able to deliver the infrastructure in isolation and that contributions should therefore also be sought from other funding sources and other new developments. This need for wider contributions and funding sources should be recognised in paragraph 10.123. A single body should be charged with co-ordinating the implementation of a wide transport strategy for Leigh to ensure that there is a clear leader of the partnership of interests identified in the paragraph.

Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 28 Welcome and encourage. Improving accessibility within the Borough should not be at the detriment of Alder Agency core policies the operation and safety of the strategic route network. Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 28 Consideration needs to be given to whether traffic can be successfully diverted away from areas core policies prioritised for growth. Much of the Core Strategy appears to rely on infrastructure. Public funding not available for major investment so how will this be funded? The final publication Core Strategy will need to be clear about sources of funding, timescales and back up plans should the schemes fail to deliver. Large amount of relief and link roads mentioned and argument this will share the capacity on other roads which will encourage walking/cycling conditions to improve on these new routes. We are not sure if this is a suitable approach to encouraging sustainable modes of transport. A major public transport scheme - the Leigh Guided Busway - is identified for potential funding through the Greater Manchester Transport Fund. The Core Strategy should explore how better use of the existing network and programmed improvements could be used and have emphasis on development and proposals which will improve pedestrian and cycle access as well as provide additional bus/train services.

Mr K Critchley Our preferred Question 28 Need a walking/cycling route from Ashton to Pennington Flash Country Park - only 3 miles, but core policies involves a busy road route for cyclists or a long diversion for off-road walkers. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 28 Support freight priority and demonstration of delivery of key infrastructure. Support need for cross- core policies borough linkages through the provision of the proposed new link road. Freight vehicles would be diverted to this and away from Air Quality Management Areas and existing congested A-roads. Employment areas should be adjacent to the proposed link road. Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 28 Support in general. We are not able to provide parking at all busway stops. We are preparing core policies Developer Packs containing specific site-based information and vouchers for public transport. PPG Industries Our preferred Question 28 Support. It should be explicit in identifying the need to develop the east-west link road between Wigan (UK) core policies and Leigh.

115 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Green belt and safeguarded land Mr Gareth Our preferred Question 29 Strongly implore the council to resist the urge to remove land from the green belt for the purpose of Thompson core policies development. Wigan has many brownfield sites, developers should be encouraged (via taxation) to prioritise these sites. Mr David Finch Lancashire Our preferred Question 29 Agree Wildlife Trust core policies Peel Our preferred Question 29 Suggest rewording of policy - consider that the core strategy is not the appropriate place to review Investments core policies safeguarded land and suggest that land at Coldalhurst Lane should be released from safeguarding. (North) Ltd Wainhomes Our preferred Question 29 Seek not only to have site at Owens Farm, Smiths Lane, Hindley Green removed from the Development core policies safeguarded land designation (which the Core Strategy proposes) but also to postively allocate it for Limited residential development Wainhomes Our preferred Question 29 Support proposal to remove safeguarding designation from land at Thames Avenue, Leigh. Development core policies Limited Mr J Kirkham Persimmon Our preferred Question 29 The Council's approach to safeguarded land is not appropriate and is unsound. The land to the south Homes core policies of the proposed school allocation at Almond Brook road the subject of Policy CP3 should be brought forward for development. David Clarke Bradhurst Our preferred Question 29 Land at Pocket Nook should have its safeguarded land designation removed to allow for an extra Associates core policies care housing development to take place Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 29 Natural England is seeking a review of Green Belt policy at national level. We believe all development Holding core policies should have regard to the principles of sustainability, including for biodiversity, and be backed by solid evidence, no matter where it is proposed. Mr & Mrs Jones Our preferred Question 29 All of the curtilage of 29, Millers Lane should be removed from safeguarded land. core policies John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 29 Green Belt policy should be amended to clarify that minerals development need not be inappropriate Ltd core policies development and does not necessarily conflict with Green Belt purposes. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 29 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 29 The second and third bullet points could be included in a development management policy as they Office for the core policies are not strategic. It will be important to ensure that any development on major developed sites in the North West Green Belt is sustainable and in accordance with local, national and regional policy.

116 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 29 The terminology 'Safeguarded land', used in respect of 'white land' potential future development areas Harrison Authority core policies is confusing in an LDF for a unitary planning area, within which Mineral Safeguarding Areas should be identified. The planning processes in coalfield areas need to take account of the coal mining legacy issues. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 29 Support the release of safeguarded land at South of Hindley, Northleigh and Smiths Lane, Hindley core policies Green. Strategic landscape and green infrastructure Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 30 Green infrastrucure can have double benefits when used for storing flood water in wet weather. Hardman core policies Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 30 Support. Greenheart is rightly given significant prominence but must not overshadow the value, Turczynski and Culture core policies contribution, and need for ongoing management and development of the many sites and Trust greenspaces outside of the Greenheart boundary. Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 30 Policy should cover the historic environment and include the conservation, enhancement and Nelson Heritage core policies interpretation of historic landscapes and heritage assets. Mr Bob Allen Groundwork Our preferred Question 30 Green infrastructure strategies have identified 11 economic benefits of green infrastructure. Your Lancashire core policies analysis at 10.151 has some gaps e.g. labour productivity, health and wellbeing, biodiversity, tourism. West & Wigan Mr David Finch Lancashire Our preferred Question 30 Agree Wildlife Trust core policies Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 30 Generally feel that the core policy principles are right. Waymont Manchester core policies Ecology Unit Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 30 Supports policy and the identification of developer contributions / community infrastructure levy to Telfer Agency core policies contribute to its provision. Support the development of green infrastructure networks and recommend that key habitat corridors are mapped, identifying key areas for habitat creation or restoration and improve linkage, and plan growth accordingly. Recommends that the findings of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment are used to inform the issue of flood risk and green infrastructure.

Ruth Wigan Group, Our preferred Question 30 Welcome the emphasis on the importance of walking and priority given to the Green Regional Park Duckworth Ramblers' core policies and 'green infrastructure'. Association Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 30 Welcome - consider the policy principles to be fairly comprehensive. Holding core policies

117 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 30 The weight to be attached to safeguarding existing green infrastructure should reflect its level of Ltd core policies importance, notably in terms of landscape and ecology. Temporary minerals schemes provide opprtunities in the longer term through restoration and aftercare and so policy needs a balanced approach. Would welcome clarification that minerals development will not be subject to a Community Infrastructure Levy. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 30 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 30 Welcome the inclusion and promotion of multi-functional green infrastructure network. The policy is core policies very positive and complies with most of Regional Spatial Strategy policy EM3. However, it could do more to promote physical and mental benefits gained through access to and usage of open spaces by disadvantaged groups and communities. In addition, links to climate change should be included.

Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 30 Support - keen to ensure that mining legacy is one of the key issues considered. To ensure that land Harrison Authority core policies stability and public safety is fully considered, the word "safety" should be added to the joined-up approach and also the following additional wording at paragraph 10.153: "with work on flood risk management, land stability and mining legacy, wildlife habitats" Mr Chris Salford City Our preferred Question 30 Welcome the role the Mosslands play as strategic Green Infrastructure and the cross-boundary Findley Council core policies linkages between Wigan, Warrington and Salford. However, a more proactive approach to habitat creation should be taken to strengthen links (examples of how to go about this are given). Design Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 31 Regarding accreditation to the highest practicable standards (for example the Code for Sustainable Hardman core policies Homes), the use of the word "practicable" is very important as, for example, as the North of England is not water stressed it would not be practicable to require recycling of rainwater or grey water for internal household useage and the highest Code for Sustainable Homes rating would require this.

Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 31 Support but requires slight modification. English Heritage support contemporary and innovative Nelson Heritage core policies architectural solutions dependent upon the particular context. There will be circumstances where traditional materials and methods of construction will be the preferred approach. Policy refers to materials with low social impact. It is not clear what these might be. Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 31 We would like to see that not only is "good design and landscaping" integrated into the development Waymont Manchester core policies process at the earliest possible stage but that the requirement for biodiversity enhancement is too. Ecology Unit

118 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 31 Support the aspirations to deliver sustainable development and good design. Expect any policy for Telfer Agency core policies sustainable housing to set out minimum standards under the Code for Sustainable Homes (In line with Part L of the Building Regulations). Also, although there are no national standards we would expect that non-domestic developments seek to build to best practice guidance under BREEAM standards. Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 31 Support reference to design and sense of place. Should consider a wider range of economically- Norris Harvestor core policies viable uses that can be permitted on a former radiator factory site. Limited Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 31 Welcome the reference to strengthening landscape character and support the use of standards such Holding core policies as the Code for Sustainable Homes as detailed in the design core policy principles. John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 31 Request that this policy is ammended to clarify that the design and landscaping matters are referred Ltd core policies to in the context of built development and opposed to other forms such as minerals proposals.

Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 31 Welcomed, as it should 'contribute in establishing communities that are inclusive for all people to use, Alder Agency core policies reduce travel distances and support local businesses'. Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 31 The ninth bullet point is rather vague and needs further clarification. Office for the core policies North West Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 31 Support - conforms with Regional Spatial Strategy Policies DP7, L4, EM5, EM15, EM16 and EM18. core policies Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 31 Suggest the following bullet point be added: "Ensure that proposals consider the mining legacy of the Harrison Authority core policies area, and take full account of ground conditions in preparing site layouts." Reason - to ensure that land stability is fully considered as part of the design process for new development proposals in accordance with PPG14. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 31 Recommend that the core strategy promotes the benefits of new development instead of retaining core policies old, inefficient stock, and that the words 'where financially viable' are added to the policy principle which seeks to 'tackle climate change and promote sustainable communiteis by requiring development to achieve acccreditation to the highest practicable standards.' Historic environment Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 32 Agree with the commitment given through these core policy principles. The Trust continues to play a Turczynski and Culture core policies major role in this conservation by managing and preserving the borough's historic parks, cemeteries, Trust monuments and buildings of historic interest. Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 32 Support but could also cover the Borough's approach to dealing with its heritage at risk and could Nelson Heritage core policies include reference to particular places where different approaches may be needed and how management of the historic environment is integrated with other plan objectives.

119 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Our preferred Question 32 Whilst recognising the importance of preserving certain aspects of the historic environment, it should Committee core policies be recognised that todays streets and buildings are for todays people, with much greater emphasis placed on the safety of individuals and inclusivity for all. A bullet point should be added that conservation should not compromise safety and accessibility. Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 32 Support policy reference to enhancing the townscape. Should consider a wider range of economically Norris Harvestor core policies viable uses that can be permitted at a radiator factory site for the continued benefit of any Limited conservation area. Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 32 Welcome commitment to protect and enhance historic parks and gardens (and their settings) as well Holding core policies as other aspects of the historic environment. We would highlight the potential function of our Environmental Stewardship Scheme - particularly the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) element - in providing funding and other support for their management. Information is available at www.naturalengland.org.uk. John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 32 Criterion 2 should include "Seek to" before "Protect and, where appropriate enhance" in relation to the Ltd core policies character and appearance of features of the historic environment. In addition, criterion 5 should include "Seek to" before "Ensure that.." and then after "not" insert "unacceptably" before "adversely affect the character or setting of our historic parks, gardens and cemeteries..." Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 32 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 32 This may be more suitable as a development management policy. Office for the core policies North West Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 32 The core strategy has supported RSS Policy EM1, with the integration of policy CP9, 10 and 11; in core policies addition a character assessment has been carried out. When developing the strategy, it is also important to keep in mind the North West Joint Character Area Map. It is felt that the strategy could do more by going into more detail over how the council will maintain, enhance and/or restore the character. Wildlife habitats and species Mr Frank Our preferred Question 33 Admirable that you see this as a key factor and reassuring that the future of parks and the wetlands Mokrysz core policies round the Flashes seems secure. Good that many previously derelict sites are being turned into green spaces. Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 33 Yes. Delighted to see the plans to enhance wildlife habitats. Finnigan core policies Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 33 Support the enhancement and diversification of wildlife habitats and species and the expansion of Turczynski and Culture core policies Local Nature Reserves, recognising the value and importance of community involvement and friends Trust groups.

120 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr David Finch Lancashire Our preferred Question 33 Agree Wildlife Trust core policies Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 33 Generally feel that the core policy principles are right. However, Policy EM1 (B) in the Regional Waymont Manchester core policies Spatial Strategy refers to a 'step-change' increase in the region's biodiversity resources' and goes Ecology Unit beyond simply no net loss. The number of Sites of Biological Importance listed is incorrect: it should be 89 not 125. Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 33 Support, particularly in relation to protecting the boroughs ponds, watercourses and wetlands. The Telfer Agency core policies Water Framework Directive should be referenced, with reference also to, or a requirement for, developers to restore rivers, ponds and wetlands as part of proposals. Support also the idea of the Greenheart Regional Park. The wider delivery of the core principles and policies may be better served by the Wigan Biodiversity Partnership. Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 33 Welcome the comprehensive core policy principles. Highlight the potential function of Higher Level Holding core policies Stewardship in providing funding and other support for the management of sites. John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 33 In the penultimate criterion, the word 'highest' should be replaced by 'high'. MPG3 for coal mining Ltd core policies reserves the highest environmental tests for schemes within the Green Belt. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 33 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 33 Support. However, it could be strengthened by expansion and linkages for wildlife within and between core policies locations of highest biodiversity resources. Also, Regional Spatial Strategy policy EM1 B states the need to enhance the region's geological and geomorphological resources. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 33 We suggest trees are protected where species are worthy of retention. Balance is needed between core policies protection of species and development investment in an area. Tree Preservation Orders should be reviewed. PPG Industries Our preferred Question 33 Sites of Biological Importance should be reviewed on a regular basis so kept up to date and accurate. (UK) core policies Where habitat value is reduced, boundary amendments should be considered to reflect changes. Full consideration needed to conservation value, mitigation measures and benefit of development.

Keith Bootle Our preferred Question 33 Consider creation of a series of basins (enlarging the width) of the River Douglas and holding some of core policies the flood waters to raise the level. Use for recreational fishing and tree planting to enhance as a 'beauty spot' for walking. The cost would in real terms be minimal and with a good return. Energy Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 34 Clarification on implementation mechanisms is required. Examples of technologies should not be Regional core policies provided as it may infer preferences. Development Agency

121 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Joe Taylor Our preferred Question 34 Need to consider the concept of peak oil as a key part of this policy and the Core Strategy as a whole. core policies Jockey Club Our preferred Question 34 Broadly supportive, however recommend that in order to support the designation of Ashton as a Racecourses core policies Spatial Priority Area, an additional bullet should be included along the lines of "Support sustainable residential development in Ashton." Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 34 Broadly support. Holding core policies John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 34 This policy seems to relate to hard end use development proposals. Must clarify this does not apply Ltd core policies to temporary mineral proposals. No government guidance or policy requires 'Energy statements' in relation to the feasibility of using renewable/low carbon energy generation as part of the scheme.

Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 34 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 34 Requires further thought so that it is clearer how it will be implemented, especially bullet points 3, 4, 6 Office for the core policies and 7. What does the asterisked footnote refer to? North West Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 34 Policy should also recognise the importance of the location of development in tackling climate core policies change. Working with neighbouring authorities and other stakeholders should be included too. Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 34 Coalbed and mine methane should be considered as part of the energy mix for the borough. Harrison Authority core policies CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 34 Broad support. core policies Waste Mr Phil Megson Lancashire Our preferred Question 35 Support, in that it suggests that Wigan will "make its contribution towards meeting sub-regional County Council core policies needs." An alternative of net-self sufficiency would be preferred. Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 35 The active management of waste should see it pushed up the 'waste hierarchy' with disposal a choice Telfer Agency core policies of last resort. Efforts must be made to reverse the growth in waste, recover the maximum resource value from the waste produced and accelerate progress in delivering increased waste management capacity. Would particularly welcome a focus on reducing the landfilling of commercial and industrial waste, through new targets and further consideration of restricting the landfilling of biodegradable wastes or recyclable materials. The construction sector generates a larger amount of waste than any other sector. Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 35 Broadly support Holding core policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 35 No comment as comments can be made via the consultation of the Joint Waste Development Plan Alder Agency core policies Document for Greater Manchester

122 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 35 The approach within the Regional Spatial Strategy and the Regional Waste Strategy for the North core policies West should be viewed as a whole and should be reflected within Wigan's Core Strategy Miss Alethea Greater Our preferred Question 35 Core Policy Principle CP14 could include: Faulkner Manchester core policies ‘take account of the findings of the Needs Assessment produced for the Joint Waste DPD, and of the Geological Unit regional Commercial & Industrial and Construction & Demolition waste studies;’

Miss Alethea Greater Our preferred Question 35 Suggested wording for Waste Core Policy submitted. Faulkner Manchester core policies Geological Unit Natural resources Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 36 Extraction of minerals is a major problem for many communities. Many residents feel that the Finnigan core policies materials should be left in the ground, at least until better methods of extraction and the needs of the community can be demonstrated. Repeat applications which are the same or similar to previous submissions are time wasting and costly to public authorities and should cease. Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 36 Strongly supports the overall reduction in consumption of water per head. However, there are some Hardman core policies concerns with grey water recycling and/or rainwater harvesting in terms of energy consumption (increasing carbon emissions) and public health concerns. United Utilities cannot endorse their use at present. Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 36 Supports wording that seeks to reduce flood risk by incorporating mitigation measures ensuring that Hardman core policies surface water run-off remains the same or is reduced as a result of development. Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 36 The reference to historic landscape is supported Nelson Heritage core policies Mr Phil Megson Lancashire Our preferred Question 36 Note and support the Mineral Safeguarding proposals together with the proposals for the County Council core policies maintenance of land-banks within the policy.

Mr David Finch Lancashire Our preferred Question 36 The effects of peat extraction on wildlife, conservation of rare habitats and climate change differ from Wildlife Trust core policies other mineral extraction and this should be made explicit. The statement 'conserve the integrity of the remnant mosslands...' should be worded more strongly to prevent further peat extraction beyond exisiting licence. Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 36 Welcome the intention to support the integrity of the mosslands, but recommend that wording be Waymont Manchester core policies included to protect the hydrological integrity of the mosslands and that proposals that would Ecology Unit compromise this would not normally be permitted. Restoration works on the mosslands should be to support appropriate bog or fen habitats wherever possible and Chat Moss should be added to the list of remnant mosslands.

123 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Andrew Mineral Our preferred Question 36 There should be no restriction to safeguard only important minerals. Minerals Safeguarding Areas are Bromley Products core policies a formal designation and the policy needs to reflect this. The approach to mineral safeguarding is Association insufficient and it is unclear how the policy will actually fulfil a safeguarding function. A good example of how a safeguarding policy could be worded is provided in 'BGS A guide to mineral safeguarding in England' (2007). Planning authorities are required to maintain a minimum landbank of 7 years for sand and gravel and 10 years for crushed rock, in line with national policy (MPS1, Annex 1, Para 4). This should be reflected in the policy. Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 36 Strongly suggest that this policy be amended to remove the reference to 'levels of run-off remaining Telfer Agency core policies the same' as all development is required to actively reduce flood risk. The policy should seek to avoid development in high risk flood areas in line with national policy. Flooding can have an effect on habitats and species in addition to the impacts on property and human health and this should be fully considered including down stream of development. Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 36 Broadly support and note the commitment to conserve soils and preserve a viable agricultural land Holding core policies resource. John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 36 A seperate minerals policy should be developed to enable assessment of environmental acceptability Ltd core policies of mineral schemes. Criterion 6 and paragraph 10.253 should refer to 'no irrerversible loss' of best and versatile land in accordance with PPS7. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 36 No comment. Alder Agency core policies Debra Holroyd 4NW Our preferred Question 36 Policies CP 9 and 15 address policy EM5 in the Regional Spatial Strategy. However, the promotion of core policies sustainable drainage systems should be encouraged, including retrofitting and future development. Need to ensure that new development is located in areas of low flood risk and that measures are taken to minimise the risk of flooding. Development should be guided by the technical/support document and the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 36 Keen to ensure that extraction of surface coal resources occurs wherever possible prior to new Harrison Authority core policies development to avoid the sterilisation of the nation's resource. Therefore recommend a change to the wording of the first bullet point of Policy CP15. Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 36 Seeking a greater commitment to the definition of Mineral Safeguarding Areas and reference to the Harrison Authority core policies range and extent of minerals within the district would be beneficial. Need to show Mineral Safeguarding Areas on the proposals map as required by national policy (MPS1). Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 36 Supports the approach in seeking to ensure that mineral extraction sites are restored fully. However, Harrison Authority core policies the Policy would benefit from additional wording clarifying requirements. Need to ensure that reclamation proposals for former minerals sites includes an assessment of the stability of the land to minimise the risk of future liability in terms of public safety.

124 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Miss Alethea Greater Our preferred Question 36 Core Policy Principle CP15 could include: Faulkner Manchester core policies ‘encourage the sustainable transport of minerals’ Geological Unit Miss Alethea Greater Our preferred Question 36 Suggested policy wording for Minerals submitted. Faulkner Manchester core policies Geological Unit Pollution Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 37 Support but raise two matters: (1) issue maps showing areas worst affected and possible methods of Finnigan core policies improvement and (2) consider banning certain types of vehicles with high emissions from using the roads of Wigan. Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 37 Welcome the reference for the need to have regard to biodiversity interests. Waymont Manchester core policies Ecology Unit Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 37 Should not only improve water quality but also protect existing resources. Would ask that the policy Telfer Agency core policies approach seeks to ensure that development causes no pollution in watercourses or groundwater. By stating 'ensuring development poses no unacceptable risk' it would seem to imply that some pollution would be acceptable. Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 37 Broadly support. Holding core policies John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 37 Minerals can only be worked where they naturally occur. This policy and the supporting text should Ltd core policies refer to minerals guidance in respect of the relevant approach to assessing the environmental acceptability of proposals in relation to dust and air quality as detailed in MPS2 Annex 1.

Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 37 Welcome any policy measures that aim to improve air quality, especially in the vicinity of the strategic Alder Agency core policies route network. The cumulative air quality assessment of the strategic sites and strategic locations should also form part of the evidence base at this stage. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 37 Support. Employment uses should be located away from Air Quality Management Areas and towards core policies the east west link road. Also support remediation and restoration and how planning helps bring forward land for development but think the policy should acknowledge that addressing costly remediation may require higher value end uses. 11. Our preferred development management policies Mr Michael Design for Our preferred General Disappointed to note that there is no reference made to a policy for Crime and Community Safety. Hodge Security development response Whilst reference is made to Secured by Design and safe development it is not a high profile management comment. policies

125 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Open space, sport and recreation Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 38 A contribution made by a developer in-lieu of providing on-site provision is repugnant because it Finnigan development appears that the developer is buying the site, the cost would fall on the prospective householders or it management suggests space opened elsewhere may be of equal benefit to existing householders. policies Mr Bernard Wigan Leisure Our preferred Question 38 Supported. Agree with the need to establish local standards for open space, sport and recreation Turczynski and Culture development provision. Trust management policies Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 38 Will be interested to see more detail emerge on open space, sport and recreation policy. For Holding development example, what will define the quality of these? Will there be reference to relevant Topic Papers? management policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 38 No comment. Alder Agency development management policies Employment land and buildings Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 39 The Government's latest consultation draft PPS 4 (May 2009) contains a broader definition of Regional development economic development than that defined in the box at the foot of page 181. The Council will need to Development management assess the implications of the proposed change for its preferred approach. Agency policies Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 39 The requirement to provide a financial contribution towards off site employment development is too Limited development onerous, especially when a redevelopment proposal is likely to create further job opportunities on a management site that is no longer viable or suitable for its former employment use. Should be considered on a policies case by case basis and only applied where it is in accordance with the requirements of Circular 05/05: Planning Obligations. Kingmoor Park Our preferred Question 39 Support except the proposal for compensation where employment land is lost to non-employment development uses. Such a proposal will potentially stifle development and is effectively a land tax. Furthermore, if management evidence has been provided to demonstrate a lack of demand for employment land, it is illogical to policies then have to compensate the council for its loss to another use, when there is no demand for it.

Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 39 Should seek to introduce building to best practice guidelines under the BREEAM (if not already Telfer Agency development identified through other policies). management policies

126 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Monier Ltd Our preferred Question 39 Support subject to the policy allowing for the release of employment sites for alternative uses in development scenarios where businesses need to relocate elsewhere in the borough in order to modernise, management expand or consolidate. In some situations, redevelopment for higher value uses will provide policies necessary revenue to enable relocation and modernisation. An additional bullet point should be added to reflect this. Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 39 Too restrictive and lacks pragmatism in terms of responding to the changing economic climate. For a Norris Harvestor development strategic edge-of centre site like the radiator factory site to fully complement the vitality and viability of Limited management Leigh town centre, the narrow range of Class B1, B2 and B8 uses on which the policy is based upon policies will not enable the full potential of the site to be realised. The Council need to revisit their spatial allocations in line with the broader vision for Leigh town centre. There are wider issues to be considered e.g. regeneration benefits and the provision of a complementary retail offer to eanble Leigh to compete effectively against other centres. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 39 Support subject to any 'substantial trip generating sites' being fully supported by a sound transport Alder Agency development evidence base to ensure that sustainable infrastructure is provided and phased to support the management development and reduce the overall trip burden. policies CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 39 Add 'one of the following criteria is met' to the end of bullet point 3. In bullet point 3(1) 'reasonably' development needs to be clearly defined and financial viability factors need to be taken into consideration. Support management bullet 3(4) and paragraphs 11.7, 11.8 and 11.9. Object to the blanket requirement for developments policies to provide financial contributions to off-site employment development/investment where employment land is lost. The impact of such contributions to viability of schemes should be taken into consideration. PPG Industries Our preferred Question 39 Support the ability to redevelop employment sites for alternative higher value mixed use (UK) development developments, to enable upgrading, modernisation or redevelopment, to provide investment in more management modern premises. Do not support the blanket requirement to provide a financial contribution towards policies off-site employment development. Should recognise that in certain circumstances a contribution may not be appropriate. In certain scenarios, such as at the PPG plant, this would be onerous and at the expense of investment in the site and could deter companies reinvesting in their economic future in the Borough. Retail and centres Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Our preferred Question 40 Only deals with the retail aspect of town centre uses and does not address leisure, offices, arts, development culture, tourism and entertainment facilities. No clarification of how these uses can help to create and management maintain vibrancy and vitality. policies

127 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 40 Providing small units for independent retailers will result in an onerous burden on developers and Limited development there are many smaller vacant units in centres that could accommodate such retailers. More clarity is management needed on what constitutes such a retailer. policies Mr James Lees Our preferred Question 40 Should explicitly restrict consent for further hot-food takeaways. development management policies Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 40 In principle this policy is correct but for it to be correctly applied it requires a holistic assessment of Norris Harvestor development sequentially preferable sites. Limited management policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 40 Support. Policy encourages retail to be located within established town centre areas, reducing the Alder Agency development need to travel by private car, and subsequently, any impacts upon the Strategic Route Network. management policies Mr Ben Cushman and Our preferred Question 40 The phrase "retail and centres" should be amended to read "retail in town centres". Wrighton Wakefield development management policies Parking Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 41 Please indicate the percentage and number of 'Blue Badge' spaces on site so that disabled people Finnigan development may judge for themselves the possibility of obtaining permitted parking. Enforcement would enable management more blue badge users to be served. Observations over time would show whether the number of policies such spaces should be increased or decreased, with this information being conveyed to the people concerned. Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 41 Welcomed. It is encouraging that the council has developed a policy for parking as parking levels can Alder Agency development be one of the key drivers in the trip generation characteristics of a site. The policy looks to manage management parking for development in line with public transport accessibility, which should reduce the need to policies travel by private car. Re-use of buildings in the Green Belt or safeguarded land Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 42 Support but should be no retrospective applications and unlicenced development should be Finnigan development demolished or restored. management policies

128 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 42 No comment. Alder Agency development management policies Design Ms Judith English Our preferred Question 43 Support, but should include reference to the particualr attention to design required in historic places Nelson Heritage development and when affecting heritage assets. It refers to the sub-division of curtilages; it should equally refer to management the amalgamation of curtilages when this harms historic street patterns and urban grain. It does not policies cover advertisements. Mr. Joe Healen Wigan Access Our preferred Question 43 Fundamentally disagree with "Shared Surfaces" (bullet point 5). They are opposed by the vast Committee development majority of the organisations representing visually handicapped people and by many others management representing people with other disabilities. Guide Dogs (for the Blind Association) has done in depth policies research on the affects of these schemes on the mobility of people with a visual disability using a variety of mobility aids; also the effects on other user groups. All have been significantly affected to the point of not visiting locations with Shared Surfaces. This is bad enough if these are shopping areas or locations that need to be crossed to arrive at employment, education, shopping, entertainment or professional consultation locations. It is even worse when Shared Surfaces are provided in housing areas effectively stopping some people leaving their homes. It is understood that the Department for Transport is undertaking a study of these schemes. A number of local authorities, including Manchester have banned or presumed against them in their planning handbooks. A cross party group of MP's has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for a moratorium (halt) on all shared surfac Mrs Helen Environment Our preferred Question 43 As with the Core Policy approach on design we would seek minimum standards to be introduced for Telfer Agency development both the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM. management policies Dr Steven Salmon Our preferred Question 43 Support regarding the adaptability to respond to changes in economic condition. Should recognize Norris Harvestor development that in the current economic climate the promotion of good design is linked to commercial viability. Limited management Therefore good design can be successfully promoted as part of a viable scheme. If no flexibility is policies shown in permitted uses a site will end up being left derelict and redundant which will disbenefit the town centre. Question the use of a masterplan for large sites.

Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 43 Support the inclusion of the design policies, broadly support the measures included and recognise the Holding development strong sustainable development agenda reflected. Consider that reference to appropriate Topic management Papers may again be an appropriate addition. policies

129 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 43 Request that this policy is ammended to clarify that the design and landscaping matters are referred Ltd development to in context of built development and opposed to other forms such as minerals proposals. Indeed, management there is no requirement for design and access statements in relation to minerals proposals. policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 43 No comment Alder Agency development management policies Mr Mark E N The Coal Our preferred Question 43 Objection - an additional bullet point is required, as follows: "Ensure that ground conditions are fully Harrison Authority development considered as part of development proposals, with a coal mining report accompanying planning management applications to provide comfort that no land instability issues exist, and where land is found to be policies unstable ensure appropriate remediation measures are proposed to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority and the Coal Authority." CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 43 Support development management policies Decentralised energy Ms Cheryl Wigan & Leigh Our preferred Question 44 Viability of affordable housing may be compromised by a growing list of obligations (including those Foster Housing development for energy/climate change). Company Ltd management policies Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 44 Broadly support. Holding development management policies John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 44 Minerals proposals should not need to be accompanied by an energy statement in relation to the Ltd development feasibilty of renewable and low carbon energy. management policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 44 No comments. Alder Agency development management policies

130 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response Mr Phil Lally Government Our preferred Question 44 Delivery mechanisms need to be made clearer. Office for the development North West management policies Planning obligations Cllr Brian Our preferred Question 45 Support but please explain more fully the concept of the Community Infrastructure Levy and what Finnigan development impact this has on developers and householders. management policies Mr David United Utilities Our preferred Question 45 As we are separately funded to provide for new development and as developers already pay water Hardman development and sewerage 'infrastructure charge' on every new property we are not clear if CIL is meant to provide management utility infrastructure for development. It could, perhaps be appropriate to provide SUDS features? policies However, CIL should not be levied on the provision of the infrastructure itself.

Mr Ian Wray Northwest Our preferred Question 45 May be useful to add reference to the need to prepare a CIL charging schedule. Regional development Development management Agency policies Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Our preferred Question 45 Support the inclusion of cultural and leisure infrastructure but the examples given only refer to development recreational activities. Historic buildings are also listed but these belong with cultural heritage matters management and we suggest are not a candidate for future community infrastructure requirements. policies Suzanne Greater Our preferred Question 45 If Wigan chooses to have a community infrastructure levy we would recommend that it includes green Waymont Manchester development infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement measures. Ecology Unit management policies Tesco Stores Our preferred Question 45 Recognise the requirement, however no thresholds for such contributions are set out within the Limited development document. These should either be defined or a case by case approach should be identified within the management document. policies Mr Mick Natural England Our preferred Question 45 Support the inclusion of the planning obligations policies, broadly support the measures included and Holding development recognise the strong sustainable development agenda reflected. We consider that reference to management appropriate Topic Papers may again be an appropriate addition. policies

131 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Our preferred Question 45 Request clarification over CIL and that minerals development would not be included. Ltd development management policies Mrs Lindsay Highways Our preferred Question 45 Welcome measures that improve infrastructure for sustainable modes, networks and interchanges Alder Agency development and using the Community Infrastructure Levy will help this process. Notwithstanding this, the levy management should not be utilised to develop infrastructure which will have an adverse impact on the operation policies and safety of the Strategic Route Network. CBRE Investors Our preferred Question 45 In the first bullet point, replace text from 'when appropriate' with 'when appropriate against the development provision of other planning policies and when relevant to the development, a planning obligation management should be sought'. policies Ms Moira Percy G M P T E Our preferred Question 45 Would expect funding from planning obligations and CIL to be used for public transport development improvements. management policies Tom Miles Homes and Our preferred Question 45 Clarification is required as to whether the authority still require S106 agreements in addition to Communities development Community Infrastructure Levy. Agency management policies 12. The alternative spatial options Mr Ian Davies The alternative General Favour dispersing development throughout borough. Would like to see more return on my council tax spatial options response payments (and any development grants, etc.) than the bins being emptied and poorly co-ordinated works on the highway. Totally against spending 'big money' on a handful of areas within a very large borough. Cllr Brian The alternative General The Alternative Spatial Options should be labelled Other Spatial Options. Finnigan spatial options response Tesco Stores The alternative General Overall, it is considered that the correct spatial option has been chosen. Limited spatial options response Focusing on the outer areas of the borough Mr Ben McDyre Mcdyre & Co The alternative Question 48 Agree that selecting all of the outer areas of the Borough to deliver a sustainable development spatial options strategy is not the answer for the reasons mentioned by the Council. However, consider that Golborne could be included in the Council's Preferred East-West Spatial Strategy.

132 Full Name Company / Chapter Question/ Summary of comment made Organisation General response JG Boardman The alternative Question 48 Development in the Outer Areas does not contradict the objectives outlined in paragraph 12.24 spatial options providing that transport infrastructure is improved. There are further options for the distribution of development for the Borough which draw from some or all of the options proposed which, with a proper balance, would achieve the Council's core objectives. Dispersing development across the borough Cllr Brian The alternative Question 49 Agree that planning authorities should have the flexibility to focus on particular areas. Finnigan spatial options Longcourten The alternative Question 49 Consider that the option to disperse development across the borough would be the most appropriate Developments spatial options strategy. 13. Next steps Phil Hirst Next steps General There does not appear to be any specific mention of cultural facilities, only sporting facilities in the response borough. Jockey Club Next steps General The tests of soundness listed in para 13.7 need to be updated to reflect changes to PPS 12. Racecourses response Changes to the proposals map Mr Ian Davies Conservation Map A Any proposal that increase the size of a conservation area has to be a great step forward. Too little areas attention has been paid to this important issue over many years. This proposal has my unreserved support. Roy Bridge Sites of Map B Curious as to the criteria used to enable changes to the areas of biological importance and who biological decides these changes. Does an area of biological importance change at the request of developers? importance Suzanne Greater Sites of Map B There are some boundary errors for A11, A23, A31, A48 and A69 that require correction. Waymont Manchester biological Ecology Unit importance John Dickinson UK Coal Mining Sites of Map B There is insufficient evidence for the change to the proposals map regarding the site of biological Ltd biological importance at Frodshams Wood. importance PPG Industries Sites of Map B Object to the extension of the Site of Biological Importance present on their land (A63). (UK) biological importance

133 Appendix 6 Preferred Options Individual Comments to Topic Papers

Full Name Company / Topic Paper Chapter Summary of Comment Organisation Mr David Topic Paper 1 3. Other key evidence reviewed 3.19 Principal, not principle. McKendrick Health and Recreation Mr David Topic Paper 1 3. Other key evidence reviewed 3.26 ...provision for youth, not of youth? 3.11 Omits mention of McKendrick Health and council and voluntary-run community centres which host sports Recreation and youth activities, eg. karate, dancing, pilates. Mr David Topic Paper 2 3. Other key evidence reviewed 3.44 The twin-township model for neighbourhood teams does not McKendrick Community provide sufficient identification with this service from the township safety and in which the team is not based. There should be a local contact neighbourhood point to help people take their concerns to the team. A persistent quality problem is people attempting to report anti-social behaviour but failing to receive an adequate response. Dr Steven Salmon Harvestor Topic Paper 5 General The Employment Land Review is dated. In the current economic Norris Limited Economy and climate the likelihood is that there are potentially more sites that employment could have emerged as a result of the current economic contraction. In terms of the future planning of the radiator site, the Council needs to consider a pragmatic and alternative approach that takes into account proximity to Leigh Town Centre for a wider range of town centre uses including retail and leisure uses.

Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 5 3. Other key evidence reviewed Existing employment sites could be upgraded to retain existing Bernadette Economy and employers and attract new employers. To enable this, parts of sites McQuillian employment will have to be offered up for higher value uses. Hindley Green Business Park suffers from poor access, poor configuration and high vacancy rates and should not be classed as a high quality site worthy of retention in the Employment Land Review. CBRE Investors are committed to retaining employment uses on the site, but in order to deliver high quality premises a comprehensive employment-led scheme is required including residential uses.

Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 5 5. Main spatial planning issues Issue EE5 should identify Hindley Green as an area which has a Bernadette Economy and identified large stock of business premises in need of modernisation. McQuillian employment 134 Full Name Company / Topic Paper Chapter Summary of Comment Organisation Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 6 3. Other key evidence reviewed Comment regarding recent changes arising from the recession Bernadette Housing with falling house prices and the impact this has had on the McQuillian numbers of affordable properties available in the borough.

Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 6 5. Main spatial planning issues Provision of housing on part of Hindley Green Business Park will Bernadette Housing identified improve quality and choice of housing in Hindley Green area. McQuillian

Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 6 6. Main sustainability issues Provision of housing on part of Hindley Green Business Park will Bernadette Housing identified provide a sustainable location and will assist in the delivery of McQuillian sustainable neighbourhoods.

Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 6 8. Our sustainability framework Provision of housing on part of Hindley Green Business Park will Bernadette Housing contribute to sustainability objective 12 which seeks to ensure McQuillian access for all to good quality affordable housing that is sustainably designed, built and maintained. Dr Steven Salmon Harvestor Topic Paper 7 General From evidence presented in the topic paper, it is clear that Leigh Norris Limited Retail and faces strong and increasing competition from other town centres / centres out-of-centre retailing. There is an obvious gap in convenience retail and cinema provision. Barry King Greater Topic Paper 8 3. Other key evidence reviewed Inappropriate use of the word 'dedicated'. Manchester Joint Accessibility Transportation Team Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 8 3. Other key evidence reviewed The delivery of an east-west link road will ease congestion, Bernadette Accessibility especially for commercial freight, help attract development and McQuillian increase investment in new housing and employment.

Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 8 4. Key messages The delivery of the link road is dependent on private funding Bernadette Accessibility through financial contributions. The redevelopment of Hindley McQuillian Green Business Park can assist in the delivery.

Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 8 5. Main spatial planning issues We recognise the importance of developer contributions in Bernadette Accessibility identified delivering much needed infrastructure improvements. Proposals at McQuillian Hindley Green Business Park could help with this.

135 Full Name Company / Topic Paper Chapter Summary of Comment Organisation Miss CBRE Investors Topic Paper 8 6. Main infrastructure issues Hindley Green Business Park suffers from a lack of direct Bernadette Accessibility identified connection to the Greater Manchester Freight Network and McQuillian suitable road connections within Wigan. Delivery of improved links will make employment areas more attractive to the business and residential markets and will meet the Council's sustainability targets. Mr David Topic Paper 8 6. Main infrastructure issues Issue A9 There are inadequate park and ride facilities at Bryn McKendrick Accessibility identified Station also. Mr Stuart Topic Paper 8 9. Next steps This topic paper does not give enough weight to the inter- Smith Accessibility relationship of this and other planning decisions. Items such as the rapid and virtually uncontrolled private house building (Orrell), traffic congestion (numerous examples) and poor public transport (disjointed at best). There have been many transport improvements not delivered. Past errors need to be accepted and rectified before you can really plan for the future. Mr Charlie Leigh Topic Paper 10 3. Other key evidence reviewed. There is no representation from voluntary wildlife conservation Owen Ornithological Wildlife habitats groups. These should be listed seperately. Also what is meant by Society and species involving groups from an early stage - how will groups function - under umbrellas of existing groups or seperately. Mr Charlie Leigh Topic Paper 10 3. Other key evidence reviewed There is no specific reference to grasslands, most notably in 3.33 Owen Ornithological Wildlife habitats and 4.1. Society and species Mr David Topic Paper 10 4. Key messages Should Ashton Heath be included as a priority habitat? It is McKendrick Wildlife habitats recognised as a rare lowland heath in the the UK Biodiversity and species Action Plan. Mr David United Utilities Topic Paper 13 1. Introduction Paragraph 3.39 wording should be amended: "Sewer flooding is Hardman Natural another flood risk throughout the Borough, particularly during storm resources and events. There have been no reported incidents of groundwater pollution flooding in the district."

136 Full Name Company / Topic Paper Chapter Summary of Comment Organisation Mr David United Utilities Topic Paper 13 1. Introduction Paragraph 3.56 should be amended: "'Water neutrality' is Hardman Natural supported by the Environment Agency and United Utilities and is resources and supported in planning policy at all levels from national through to pollution local level, 416,000 homes planned regionally will be to BREEAM standards for water efficiency. There is a need to look at sustainable ways to encourage water efficiency in the existing housing stock whilst continuing to enjoy high standards of drinking water quality and a constant supply. Ways to encourage the use of water saving measures include making use of water meters and water butts." Mr David United Utilities Topic Paper 13 3. Other key evidence reviewed Paragraph 3.30 wording should be amended: "During extreme Hardman Natural storm events the amount of surface water discharged from roofs, resources and pathways and driveways can be 50 times the amount of foul pollution sewage discharged from internal uses in the property. The fate of this surface water is key to preventing flood risk" and then continue "This is a major issue etc"

137 Appendix 7

Summary of key topic issues raised at meetings

If a topic is not included it means that it was not specifically referred to at any of the meetings held.

1. Health and recreation

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 22nd June 2009 Ashton and Bryn Township Forum Are there covenants on Bryn Rec, and what will happen to the open space provision if road proposals cross the site? 24th June 2009 Health and Recreation Key Section 106 from housing development, currently goes into township pot for development of play provision. Stakeholder Meeting Concern that if development was restricted in outer parts of borough, these areas would miss out on investment in play facilities. Wellbeing / Quality of Life is emphasised far more within the NHS. 6th July 2009 Wigan Borough Partnership The plans do not pay sufficient attention to the cultural needs of the Borough and to broader quality of life Board issues. The absence of a good quality performance space in the Borough remains a significant impediment. 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network There needs to be opportunity for ‘better’ provision of green spaces including the preservation and Special Meeting enhancement of play facilities within development. 23rd July 2009 Meeting with NHS Ashton, Leigh Spatial planning important in helping to reduce health inequalities. Health Impact Assessment done for and Wigan A5225. Co-location of facilities must be considered fully but not to increase car dependency. The idea of joint health and planning training must be progressed. Consider an SPD on Health.

2. Community safety and neighbourhood quality

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network There are issues around perceptions of safety and security concerns in and around Wigan Town Centre in Special Meeting the evening, and particular to, but not exclusive to ethnic minorities. This is felt by businesses too. To attract people with skills – cultural and security issues need looking at.

3. Community development and involvement

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 9th June 2009 Leigh Township Forum Could be very confusing to public with no knowledge of the planning system, or the LDF process as: • it could appear that the Council will be buying the sites and developing them themselves – need to make it explicit that the plan will direct / manage all development and that it is about partnership between private / public sectors. Need to also explain that the plan will not only direct development to the key sites, but it will discourage development in unsuitable areas; and • it gives the impression that the sites and proposals will definitely going ahead, however not the case (gave example of Stubshaw Cross site – in Borough Life leaflet is states the site will include “a replacement high school at Stubshaw Cross as part of the Schools for the Future Programme” – council 138 has not consulted on this yet, therefore the replacement school has yet to be approved) – need to emphasis that nothing has been decided yet. 16th June 2009 Tyldesley Township Forum Has any consultation being done with neighbouring authorities? Past schemes, such as Atherleigh Way, showed little in the way of consultation between neighbouring authorities. 22nd June 2009 Ashton and Bryn Township Forum Anger is generated by lack of public influence – still progressing with road proposals even though the community has lobbied against them in the past; Not listened to public opinion Recommend putting on roadshow events to fully engage with the public; Need to keep document simple – public consultation should be less complicated in order to get message across; Consultation portal is not easy to navigate, and document is difficult to read online. Will consultation be extended given the size and complexity of the document? 24th June 2009 Health and Recreation Key It was felt by representatives from the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust that the outcome of consultation from Stakeholder Meeting last time was unclear. 24th June 2009 Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley Concerns regarding length of Core Strategy Preferred Options consultation period. Township Forum Access to the LDF consultation on the web is difficult and also intrusive as individuals comments are screened. Do the officers who prepared the Preferred Options documents have the community’s backing and if so is there evidence of this? 25th June 2009 Wigan North Township Forum The usefulness of the borough life magazine as a tool for consultation was queried. What response has been received? 29th June 2009 Hindley/Abram Township Forum If we haven’t got support from the community for the plan what will happen?

4. Education and learning

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 22nd June 2009 Ashton and Bryn Township Forum Building Schools for the Future programme has not consulted on the proposals for Ashton yet and the Core Strategy Preferred Options should not have made any reference to the relocation of the school to the Stubshaw Cross site, or the release of the existing school sites for development. By including it makes the assumption that the proposals will go ahead – this is not the case. 8th July 2009 Atherton Township Forum The preferred-option diagram shows a schools for the future site at Hesketh-Fletcher - it is proposed as a 14- 19 centre for the east of the borough. 29th June 2009 Transport Key Stakeholders Problems of access to higher and further education establishments need to be considered in the Building Schools for the Future programme. This is being consulted on separately and we are currently not aware of any particular accessibility issues.

5. Economy and Employment

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 9th June 2009 Leigh Township Forum Westleigh and Northleigh sites are mainly housing; Leigh also needs investment in local jobs; Accessibility to employment is also an issue as there is no train service in the town – reliant on roads and buses and residents need to be able to access places of employment.

139

How will new employers / new business be attracted to locate / invest in the area? 18th June 2009 Wigan South Township Forum Who is going to build anything in a recession? There are many vacant employment units across the borough at the moment, why do we need more? 22nd June 2009 Ashton and Bryn Township Forum Already plenty of available employment sites and vacant units in the borough (e.g. three sisters) - no need to release more land for employment development, as it would generate more traffic and impact on wildlife and habitats 24 June 2009 Economy and Employment Key Consider producing a brief study to reflect the recession, as an update of the Employment Land Review. Stakeholder Meeting 24th June 2009 Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley With respect to new employment allocations, why can’t existing empty sites be utilised across the borough? Township Forum 29th June 2009 Hindley/Abram Township Forum It will be 5 – 6 years until we can build again. We need to maintain existing jobs. The old job centre in Hindley is now going for housing. Hindley has never had a good employment base. People work elsewhere. Employers also want roads to be better for businesses to get people in and out quickly (like in Warrington). We need to aspire to this or we will remain a backwater. Without this new development Hindley would not receive any funding from elsewhere. We need to secure these benefits from the private sector as there is no money available from other sources. Why can’t we fill existing industrial estates first? 6th July 2009 Wigan Borough Partnership In terms of modernising the economy, what industries are we seeking to attract to the borough and what links Board are being made with colleges? 7th July 2009 Golborne/Lowton Township If we are only encouraging employment in knowledge industries this will be no good for Wigan’s population as Forum we have low educational attainment here. 7th July 2009 Housing Developers Forum How will the plan influence and change local economy? What types of jobs / employment will come forward? 8th July 2009 Wigan Borough Health and Economic wellbeing is vital, with links to poverty and health problems. The issue of accessibility of jobs is Wellbeing Partnership important. The Core Strategy should encourage cross-working between employees / developers in the borough and the PCT and WLCT, to foster a healthier workforce. 8th July 2009 Atherton Township Forum The size and type of units on Chanters Industrial Estate is unlikely to generate a large amount of employment. The Council needs to get an employer in, rather than just build units. There are a number of empty units across the borough. 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network Questions were specifically raised in concern with brownfield sites and whether existing industrial units Special Meeting elsewhere really are not fit for purpose or regeneration works. 15th July 2009 Youth Parliament Representatives There are a lot of sites, such as those seen from the railway around Ince / Hindley, that are derelict – why can’t these sites be recycled for development?

6. Housing

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 9th June 2009 Leigh Township Forum Preferred Options assume housing development will raise land values to fund the physical infrastructure (roads); will this compromise the delivery of social / affordable housing in Leigh? – will the council compromise on affordable housing in lieu of new roads? If so, is there a Plan B to deliver social housing? 18th June 2009 Wigan South Township Forum A lot of housing is required in the Borough, but will this be social housing or private? It is social housing that

140 is most needed. When houses are being built will the roads be put in first? 22nd June 2009 Ashton and Bryn Township Forum Dangling the carrot of new housing development, but don’t want more executive housing for commuters – need housing that addresses local needs (e.g. new social housing). The recession has impacted on housing prices and many new schemes have stopped buildings / new units empty – can it be delivered. 24th June 2009 Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley The new Housing allocations proposed, where will they be located and will social housing be provided on Township Forum them? 29th June 2009 Hindley/Abram Township Forum How many houses are actually proposed on all the sites? We have plenty of empty homes at present, why do we need more? People can’t get mortgages to buy property at the moment. Will social housing be provided on the sites and who will build these homes? It would make sense to encourage the government to allow more social housing now. Unitary Development Plan housing numbers have been exceeded in many previous years. How do we know this will not happen again? Are these additional land allocations above those in the existing plan? What happens if we don’t want housing here? 7th July 2009 Golborne/Lowton Township Golborne has one of the highest waiting lists for social housing in the borough. Why are there no social Forum homes proposed here? There is no mention of this in the current Preferred Options document. There is currently building work going on outside the preferred options area. Is it true Wigan needs to meet government targets of 978 houses built per year? 7th July 2009 Housing Developers Forum When will detail / infrastructure delivery planning take place? Recession and financial restrictions are impacting upon affordable housing delivery – existing units cannot be realised (i.e. discounted low cost housing) as mortgages require a 20% deposit and households in need of affordable housing cannot raise this amount of money – therefore standing empty and cannot be realised or sold onto a RSL as they have no funds either. 8th July 2009 Atherton Township Forum There are hundreds of empty properties in Atherton. We need to ensure that all housing comes together, rather in isolation and before improvements to road infrastructure are made. 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network Issues were raised with the existing housing stock in relation to purpose built family homes. Special Meeting There is a need to look at types of houses carefully. Need to keep heart and pride of communities. There is much need for affordable housing for all tenures and including for single occupancy. 10th July 2009 Safer, Stronger & More Attractive Mix of housing types required with reference to crime reduction, community safety and appropriate recreation Communities Key Stakeholders space.

7. Retail and centres

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 16th June 2009 Tyldesley Township Forum Concern that the preferred options talks about sustainable communities in terms of housing, jobs and accessibility but not town centres. There is low morale amongst shopkeepers in Tyldesley There is a lack of shop space in Tyldesley, with small shallow units, so not a lot of opportunities. 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network Concern was raised over the Grand Arcade development and its effect on trade to the rest of the town centre.

141 Special Meeting 15th July 2009 Wigan Town Centre Key Role of current masterplans, appropriateness of town centre boundary proposals, education village concept, Stakeholder Meeting, Civic concerns over implementation of infrastructure, engagement of church authorities, and future role of evening Buildings economy and smaller centres.

8. Accessibility

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 9th June 2009 Leigh Township Forum The presentation skimmed over access routes to Westleigh site (stated there would be various access route options), and key site diagram doesn’t show a preferred access route – however, does this imply that a route through Pennington Flash would be considered, and what would the implications of this be? 16th June 2009 Tyldesley Township Forum Traffic on A6 at Swinton and Walkden, A580 at Mosley Common is all backed up trying to access M60 at J.13. In terms of employment opportunities in Regional Centre, we need to consider that a large amount of people will be working away from the city centre in locations such as Salford Quays and Trafford Park The Salford Racecourse proposal would have a significant impact on congestion on this part of the borough if it is given permission. What kind of infrastructure is there for housing at Garrett Hall, i.e. cars commuting to M60. Isn’t it optimistic that people will use the guided busway? 18th June 2009 Wigan South Township Forum Why do we need to build a new road? 22nd June 2009 Ashton and Bryn Township Forum • Traffic on Bolton Road is horrendous; • South Lancashire Industrial Estate already causes lots of traffic – road infrastructure was insufficient from inception; • Traffic in and out of Ashton cannot cope with any additional development; • New traffic lights at key town centre interchange make congestion on Princess Road and Gerard Street even worse – need better traffic management systems; • Recent supermarket developments have generated additional traffic. • Northern by-pass has been on cards for 40 years, could be another 40 years before it comes forward – still aspirational; • Question whether scale of infrastructure needed would be delivered on the back of the proposed development alone; • Feel new road is being used as an excuse to get development through the backdoor. • A two-way junction at Junction 25 is needed • Questions whether proposals would actually alleviate traffic - (made reference to a transport document, endorsed / prepared (?) by the Council’s highways engineers, which indicates that the proposals would not alleviate traffic and believed that the Government Inspection report concluded that proposed roads would not be sufficient to alleviate traffic problems on Bryn Road. • Proposals are divisive: a new road junction through South Lancs Industrial Estate may alleviate traffic in Ashton town centre, but would have a negative impact on residents on Bolton Road. • Is the shorter road alternative the same proposed as before? • Stubshaw Cross road junction with Bolton Road – will it be the same as previous proposals? Comments in Support:

142 • Need to give road infrastructure absolute priority – must have northern by-pass and need M6 junction 25 to be 2-ways; • If we get new roads and junction 25 improvements, Ashton would be a boom town and local community would benefit from new investment and jobs. 24th June 2009 Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley Does the council have any idea with respect to the congestion problems in the borough and how can we even Township Forum think about further development before infrastructure like the A5225 and an all-ways M6 Junction 25 are provided? 29th June 2009 Hindley/Abram Township Forum Will the infrastructure be capable of supporting development? Infrastructure has not been provided in Hindley in the past and we now have flooding as a result. 29th June 2009 Transport Key Stakeholders Options need a change of emphasis with proposals set out as a package with the emphasis placed on public transport. We are being upfront about the amount of transport infrastructure we need in order to be able to deliver our key sites. Modelling work is currently incomplete and transport strategy will include details of funding sources. 6 July 2009 Wigan Borough Partnership The A5225 scheme is an absolute must and would benefit the whole borough. Board We need to be strong and not try to appease everyone. 7th July 2009 Golborne/Lowton Township There used to be a proposal for Route A5225 to open up land for industry, but this has been knocked back. Forum There appears to be piecemeal proposals at Westwood, but where is the money coming from for infrastructure? We appear to have the same problems this time, all the proposed sites are currently inaccessible. 7th July 2009 Golborne/Lowton Township 650 houses are proposed at Bickershaw South, outside the Preferred Options area. Commercial Forum development and an estimated 1/3 million visitors at Bickershaw North will mean significant levels of traffic will also be generated and the roads cannot handle the current levels of traffic. Why is this not in the Preferred Options area? In the past the council has allowed building first and hope infrastructure will follow. 8th July 2009 Atherton Township Forum Road infrastructure around Atherton and Tyldesley is disgraceful at the moment. Concern was voiced about the current availability of parking at the station and how development of this site would only exacerbate the situation. Part of the housing site should include parking for the railway station. 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network Road links between Leigh and Wigan need improving. Some think a link from the M6 to M61 is needed to Special Meeting greatly help businesses in Wigan. There was support for the ‘resurrection’ of the A5225. There were mixed views on the benefits of the Leigh Guided Busway. Bus services needed out of peak times for shift workers especially between Leigh and Wigan. Railway station needed in Leigh. There is need of a north bound access to the M6 at Ashton. 10th July 2009 Safer, Stronger & More Attractive Highways infrastructure needs to be brought forward at the same time or in advance of housing development Communities Key Stakeholders 15th July 2009 Youth Parliament Representatives The Core Strategy contains a lot of plans for new road infrastructure, but where is all the money coming for this? 23rd July 2009 Meeting with NHS Ashton, Leigh Co-location of facilities must be considered fully but not to increase car dependency. Improved mapping of and Wigan services required to help overcome issues. We still cannot control public transport routes.

143 9. Built Environment and Landscapes 10. Wildlife Habitats and Species 13. Natural Resources and Pollution

Date Consultation with: Relevant Issues Raised 8 June 2009 Meeting with developers Sites at Gibfield, Atherton and desire to take a site out of the Green Belt for development. 16th June 2009 Tyldesley Township Forum The extension of the site at Cleworth Hall was welcomed. 22nd June 2009 Ashton and Bryn Township Forum Queried the criteria for building on Green Belt land. 24th June 2009 Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley A recent English Heritage survey indicated that the borough’s listed buildings are under threat from a lack of Township Forum maintenance; shouldn’t this be a planning priority in addition to new development? 2nd July 2009 Wildlife Habitats and Species Key Main issues raised involved changes to levels of surface water run off and impact on habitats and species Stakeholder Meeting and included detail on mitigation measures and enforcement of planning conditions. 7th July 2009 Golborne/Lowton Township How much protection are you giving to the Green Belt? Forum Are school playing fields classed as brownfield land? How long does a brownfield site have to be derelict before it becomes greenfield? If land is safeguarded, how long does it retain this designation for? Given the amount of Green Belt and safeguarded land in this area, where are new buildings going to be put? Will provision for sewerage be considered? 10th July 2009 Safer, Stronger & More Attractive Ensure that new development does not put pressure on existing water resources. Communities Key Stakeholder meeting 16th July 2009 Built Environment and Landscape Stakeholders generally supported the topic paper and the proposed policy principles. No mention of Key Stakeholder Meeting conservation areas at risk, questions over infrastructure provision and funding, character area study, new school sites, reuse of vacant buildings of interest. 17 July 2009 Natural Resources and Pollution Destination of surface water run off and it’s potential to become a major issue on restricting development of Key Stakeholder Meeting. key sites. 29th June 2009 Transport Key Stakeholders Highways Agency seeks further clarification as to whether Wigan has an AQM target. Post meeting clarification confirms that modelling work will illustrate exceedance of air quality targets should these occur and mitigation will be sought. 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network Need to better educate communities on wildlife habitats and species. Recreation links with biodiversity areas Special Meeting – can co-exist if managed appropriately. Need to improve priority grasslands – not just those areas covered by a designation. 30th July 2009 Strategic Landscape and Green Blue Infrastructure should be included alongside green infrastructure as it provides for many important factors Infrastructure not withstanding for flood prevention reasons. Emphasise awareness and encourage ownership of green areas by local communities. Need to take account of pluvial flooding etc. Use of SUDs will need to be encouraged not only in natural resources policy but also in Green Infrastructure Street trees are missing from Green Infrastructure definitions at the national level.

144 11. Energy

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 15th July 2009 Energy Stakeholder meeting Be clear that reducing carbon from new development is often just a reduction in the growth of emissions – not an absolute reduction in carbon emissions. Reducing energy use in existing buildings as well as new important. The need for energy assessments could delay developments.

12. Waste

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 17th July 2009 Waste Key Stakeholder Meeting. Destination of surface water run off and it’s potential to become a major issue on restricting development of key sites.

Key Sites - Northleigh

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 9th June 2009 Leigh Township Forum Is it part of the coalfield challenge, and is there still an opportunity for HCA to fund to social housing? Nell Pan Lane / Smiths Lane are congested; only way around this it is create a new north-south link road

Key Sites – South of Hindley

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 16th July 2009 Meeting with agents for Key Site Less employment and more housing on South of Hindley to improve viability in view of need to contribute to landowner Garrett Hall and South highway infrastructure. of Hindley, Peel Suggested that further wording should be added to the spatial policies so as to make it possible to ensure that all landowners on key sites contribute to the provision of infrastructure as well as adjacent landowners who would also derive benefits form its provision.

Key Sites – The Bell, Lamberhead Green

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 18th June 2009 Wigan South Township Forum The last Pemberton Councillor’s surgery was inundated by people wishing to object to the proposals on The Bell. 15th July 2009 Youth Parliament Representatives The group thought it stupid to locate industrial development next to the new Abraham Guest ‘Eco School’. They thought it would be more favourable to have development close to Wigan town centre, as more people would be able to access this. Wouldn’t the location on the motorway mean that jobs were taken up by people from outside the area? 24th June 2009 Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley There was deep concern and anger being expressed by local residents regarding the proposal to allocate the Township Forum site known as The Bell for employment and associated road infrastructure, therefore losing its greenbelt status. In addition, no other area is being proposed in the borough as replacement greenbelt. 24 June 2009 Economy and Employment Key ERO have had a number of enquiries recently from major logistics companies who would no doubt be very

145 Stakeholder Meeting interested in this site. 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network There was support for allotments on land at the Bell including children’s play space. Special Meeting Questions were asked in relation to taking land out of the Green Belt to meet employment needs of the Borough. There was support for the new road from the M6 junction at Orrell through to the proposed development at the Bell and continuing to Heinz on grounds that it would alleviate traffic along Gathurst Road and Spring Road.

Key Sites – Westleigh Canalside

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 9th June 2009 Leigh Township Forum Commented on existing commitment at Bickershaw South (adjacent to Westleigh site) and transport along Firs Lane – transport assessment stated that the road networks have capacity for additional growth, however planning consent was restricted to 250 houses due to road constraints – community tend to take information about access routes and capacity with a pinch of salt. Need reassurance that cumulative impact will be addressed, and that future growth will be phased and accompanied by investment in road improvements to alleviate congestion along Firs Lane. Presentation skimmed over access routes (stated there would be various access route options), and key site diagram doesn’t show a preferred access route – however, does this imply that a route through Pennington Flash would be considered, and what would the implications of this be?

Key Sites – Garrett Hall, Astley

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 16th June 2009 Tyldesley Township Forum How long has the site had the safeguarded land designation? A reference is made to homes on the site being for workers at Media City, this may be a little misleading given the site is approx 8 miles from Media City. 16th July 2009 Meeting with agents for Key Site Inclusion of Garrett Hall site within a detached ‘blob’ of the east-west core made it vulnerable to deletion at landowner Garrett Hall and South the EIP. Suggested that it would make more sense to include Garrett Hall within the east-west core as part of of Hindley, Peel a continuous area, connected by a thin strand along the line of the Guided Busway which would include fairly disadvantaged areas, consistent with the overall strategy. Concerns over the clause in the policy for Garrett Hall which would prevent housing development until the Guided Busway had been provided.

Key Sites – East of Atherton

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 16th June 2009 Tyldesley Township Forum The East of Atherton site was heavily criticised at their township forum There has been discussion of moving the station on to part of the key site so that it is able to accommodate Park and Ride provision.

146 7th July 2009 Golborne/Lowton Township We would welcome the opening of a road link in Shakerley to the north. Forum 8th July 2009 Atherton Township Forum Concern about the site and the amount of traffic that would be generated on Bolton Road to the north and Tyldesley Road to the south and that the road system will not be able to withstand the extra traffic. The road is shown (in the borough life supplement) to go at the back of houses. The road system wouldn’t be able to handle a north-south link, especially Tyldesley’s one-way system, so why not just have a road that links from Bolton Road around Shakerley and Tyldesley? 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network Infrastructure is needed to improve the Shakerley estate. Special Meeting

Key Sites – General

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 9th June 2009 Leigh Township Forum It appears that the delivery of key sites is based on the economic model of 3 years ago (i.e. high house prices = high land values = monies available to fund infrastructure / affordable housing) however, given the current recession, is this still a realistic assumption?

Other issues – Monitoring/ s106/ Sustainability/ Recession

Date Event/Activity Issues Raised 24th June 2009 Health and Recreation Key What exactly does the Core Strategy contribute to some of the national indicators? One example being all Stakeholder Meeting age mortality? 7th July 2009 Housing Developers Forum Planning obligations / section 106 requirements and viability. Negotiations are difficult. 9th July 2009 ASCEND Community Network The way we live today is not sustainable. Continuous development can not continue, perhaps Wigan should Special Meeting take a lead in restricting development. Wigan needs a plan to be sustainable. How do we see recession affecting plan – in terms of funding etc.

147