AN historic site is set to make way for a 42-home development despite concerns for Tyldesley’s heritage.

The grade II listed Garrett Hall Farmhouse will be upgraded into flats but surrounding buildings will be demolished in the process.

An application by Redrow Homes Lancashire and Peel L&P Developments was opposed by Andy Brown, a Mosley Common resident, who believed the site was of such historic value a turnstile could be installed and people would pay to view it.

He told borough planners in Wigan the proposals could also cause additional congestion in the area.

Mr Brown added: “It is absolutely staggering we would allow this when 950 houses are being built in the area and not all of them are being sold. The road infrastructure is creaking at the seams. 

“At Mosley Common Road, you will find it more difficult to get to work in a car through. I take the position that this would do severe harm to the highways network.”

He told councillors the proposed site is close to another Mosley Common development where 1,100 houses are proposed – with the same feeder road linking to the nearby A580 East Lancs Road.

Mr Brown said the site itself dates back to medieval times.

Councillors asked for reassurances if such significant finds were detected, that work would be halted so archaeologists could come in.

Planning officers deemed it was unlikely given a report by Greater Manchester Archaeology Unit, which considered any remains "will not be of national or regional importance requiring preservation in-situ".

In response to claims of the location's historical significance, Cllr John Harding said the site has been subjected to vandalism and fires.

“If it was so great then there would be a turnstile there already,” Cllr Harding added. “We need to look forward.”

Councillors heard the listed building would be brought back into use as three flats but surrounding buildings would be demolished as they are not deemed as important.

Cllr Stuart Gerrard proposed the application should be refused on the grounds that it would be a significant heritage loss but the proposals were eventually approved.