Here’s how Wigan Council stamped approval for 165,000 new homes across Greater Manchester

Wigan Council bosses have approved amendments to plans to build 165,000 homes across Greater Manchester over the next 15 years.

This decision follows the recent approval by Trafford Council and paves the way for an eight-week public consultation starting in October.

Wigan Council Approves Plans

Wigan Council are the latest to approve the modifications made to the Places for Everyone plan which went through an eight-month examination from government inspectors.

Following on from Trafford Council executive’s approval earlier in the week, Wigan’s cabinet members agreed on the modifications and the eight-week public consultation to start after October this year, the town heard.

Modifications to the Plans

The main modifications to the plan include the boundary changes to housing developments and the removal of the North of Irlam Station site – meaning the loss of green belt land has decreased.

New homes for Salford

The Salford-based site would have provided around 800 dwellings for the plan but the impact on greenfield land was deemed too severe to keep.

To better protect green belt land, the sites of Timperley Wedge for 1,700 homes and Elton Reservoir for 3,500 homes had their boundaries altered.

Thousands of new homes in Greater Manchester

The other developments where boundaries have also been changed but not altered in scale include Simister and Bowlee (1,250 homes), Broadbent Moss (1,450 homes and employment space), South of Rosary Road (60 homes), Land at Hazelhurst Farm (450 homes), South of Hyde (440 homes).

Other changes applied to the scheme are not material but improve clarity and consistency in policy wording across the plan.

It is now up to the remaining seven councils in Greater Manchester to approve these modifications before consultation can begin.

Stockport’s Places for Everyone

Stockport is the one borough not part of the Places for Everyone plan after leaving due to concerns over green belt impact.

There were no physical changes made to the plan for the Wigan sites, the meeting on September 28 heard.

The areas earmarked for development include the logistics park at M6 Junction 25, 1,050 homes North of Mosley Common, 600 homes and 15,000 sqm of employment at Pocket Nook and 500 homes at Gibfield West.