Next stage of 'Planning for the Future' launches soon

BertanOctober 18, 2023

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A second consultation on ‘Planning for the Future to 2040’ will launch next week, to help Wigan Council prepare a Local Plan for the borough to 2040.

Local Plans set out a vision for how a borough can grow and develop into the future, including sites for new homes, jobs and infrastructure.

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader for Wigan Council, said: “I’d like to say a sincere thank you to all the residents that took part in the first ‘planning for the future’ consultation late last year.

“Your feedback was really helpful in creating this next stage ‘options and preferences’ paper, that sets out a bit more about a vision for where we want the borough to be in 2040, and how we plan to get there.

“With seven themes to have your say on- homes, jobs, town and local centres, transport, places, environment, and people- there is lots in there to explore and comment on.

“The consultation launches later this month with 10 engagement events planned throughout the borough, and lots of ways to have your say so please keep an eye out and get involved.”

Last autumn, residents were asked for their opinions on the issues and opportunities for the borough during the first phase of the consultation, which received 1,413 responses over eight weeks.

Some of the key findings included:

The majority of those asked said homes for first time buyers should be prioritised, followed by social housing
Better transport links to town centres was considered a priority
Two-thirds of respondents would travel less by car with better public transport and cycling/walking routes
Many respondents think that conserving our historic buildings is important
Better access to nature and the natural environment, and access to affordable healthy food were considered the most important factors in supporting people’s health and wellbeing
Additional healthcare provision and primary school places were considered top priorities with future housing development.

View the full results.

This second phase of the consultation launching next week will give residents the opportunity to comment on options that have been pulled together using information from the first phase. Residents will be asked to comment on the council’s preferences and alternative options, including potential sites for development based on emerging priorities and demand.

Local Plans help manage and shape how the borough will develop over the next 15 to 20 years including the delivery of new homes, jobs, and infrastructure to support future communities including transport, schools, and public open spaces, and more. The last local plan was adopted in September 2013.

The consultation will launch Tuesday 24 October and close on Monday 18 December.

There will be also 10 consultation workshops held across the borough, all from 7pm, for people to find out more and contribute to the Local Plan: