Controversial developments yet to be decided in Atherton and Astley

As previously reported by the Journal, proposals were put forward last July to bring 31 new properties to land currently occupied by Shams Farm, off Shakerley Lane.

With talks of a further 600 homes to be built in the area, located off the A579 Bolton Road between Atherton and Tyldesley, the proposals sparked such anger with local residents that a 'Save Shakerley Lane' group was created to stop the development last year.

The development was intended to be decided by the council's planning committee in December 2023, but as this date has been delayed, residents have continued to object to the proposals online.

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Residents are concerned about opening Shakerley Lane up as a 'through road' and future development (Image: Independent Network)
With many residents highlighting their concerns on social media, there are 159 public comments on the council's planning document regarding the proposal, with the vast majority objecting.

Many objectors raise concerns about building on green belt land and the potential 'through road' that could be created between Atherton, Shakerley, and Tyldesley, with the belief that the area and infrastructure around the A579 is already at capacity.

One objection reads: "I object to this development as we do not have the infrastructure in place to support it, getting appointments at the Dr's is already difficult and schools are over subscribed, taking Atherton High School as an example, it has a school capacity of 450 pupils, and the number of pupils at the school exceeds this at 509.

"There are several hundred houses already being built in other areas of Atherton which has and will lead to a significant increase in the population of Atherton. The total number of houses being built in Atherton far exceed the 1049 to be built on Hulton Park Estate, but this did at least include a commitment to build a new primary school.

"We appear to have an influx of existing and approved developments happening right now across Atherton, Tyldesley and Mosley Common using what little green belt land we have left, this is aside from other large developments happening nearby, such as the Hulton Park estate."

A warehouse and office development is proposed on land off Astley Park Way (Image: Google Maps)
Another controversial development that is waiting to be heard by the council's planning committee is the proposed creation of warehouses and offices on land at Astley Park Way, off Chaddock Lane in Astley.

On the council's online planning portal, 97 public comments are similarly in overwhelming objection to the plans.

One objection states: "As a resident and stakeholder in this community, I believe this development would significantly compromise the tranquility, safety, and well-being of our neighbourhood."

Another reads: "The infrastructure of Astley is already at capacity, warehousing means increased HGV's on the road.

"Manchester Road is already gridlocked and suffering from severe tailbacks at certain times of the day. The A580 is also heavily used by HGV's which will bring the whole local transport system to a grinding halt."

The proposals come after a 1,050 home development in Mosley Common was approved by the council last month, despite a 4,000 name petition, 600 objections and opposition from local councillors.

The Shakerley Lane and Astley Park Way developments are expected to be heard at Wigan Council's next planning committee meeting in March.