A PROPOSAL to bring forward the building of 100 houses to the south of Atherton has enraged residents.

The site to the south of the Bee Fold estate was not identified for housing in Wigan Council’s Core Strategy this year but developers Lilford Estate have begun a consultation process.

Letters and questionnaires have been distributed on behalf of the Lilford Estate to residents in the area, with the latter to be returned by January 6.

David Bowen, a member of the Save Atherton South Group, said: “The Core Strategy was only adopted in September and to bring forward any application now would be totally unjustified. This site isn't needed.

“The Lilford Estate have chosen the Christmas period to seek residents’ opinions and therefore given people a very limited time to respond.”

Mike Worden, assistant director for planning at the council, said: “If a planning application by Lilford Estate is submitted to the council, we will undertake formal consultation and take account of representations received when we come to make a decision on the proposals.

“The site is part of a wider area of land to the south of Atherton which was debated at length at the Core Strategy examination earlier this year. The government’s inspector decided it was not necessary to identify the land for housing.”

For anyone wishing to find out more and for support in responding to the leaflet, there will be a public meeting at Atherton Cricket Club on Thursday, December 19 at 7pm.

  • What do you think? Email newsdesk@leighjournal.co.uk with you views or tweet @leighjournal.