Residents in Atherton are invited to a public meeting about plans for 550 homes. The meeting will provide details and allow locals to voice their opinions on the development.
Atherton: People are being asked to join a public meeting about building 550 homes on farmland. The Lilford Estate is planning to submit an application for this 51-acre site.
The meeting will be held at the Atherton and Tyldesley Botanical Gardens. It’s on February 5, from 3 PM to 8 PM. Lilford representatives will be there to answer questions, along with local community group ASPECT.
This proposed development is located east of Atherton, just south of Bolton Road. It’s currently used for grazing and will include 550 new family homes, plus green spaces and landscaping.
A leaflet from Lilford mentions the growing need for quality housing in Wigan. They believe this area is perfect for development due to its access to local services and facilities.
The land is marked as a ‘Broad Location’ for housing in the Wigan Core Strategy. Wigan Council has noted that this site could potentially host up to 600 homes by 2039.
Displays about the project will be available online starting Wednesday. People can also send their comments by mail or email, or visit the consultation website.
Feedback is due by February 15. Coun James Fish has shared details about the meeting on Facebook, encouraging locals to attend.
Some residents have expressed concerns, noting that 550 homes could lead to over 1,000 cars. They worry about the need for upgrades to local services and infrastructure.
Others have pointed out that the area floods every year, creating streams. Many are frustrated about losing green spaces to new developments.
One resident asked, “When will they be satisfied? Are we headed for concrete jungles?”
