Bellway Homes is planning to build 526 homes on farmland in Ashton-in-Makerfield. The developer will launch a public consultation later this month on plans to develop land at Landgate Farm on Wigan Road.
Affordable housing and community facilities
The proposals include 25 per cent affordable housing, delivered by Onward Homes, a specialist social landlord. Plans also involve re-configuring and enhancing Bryn Recreation Ground's sports pitches, changing facilities, and car park, plus an internal link road to route traffic away from the Bryn Road/Wigan Road junction. Land will be gifted to Landgate School for expansion of its Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision.
Site context and consultation
The site, two kilometres north of Ashton town centre and six kilometres south of Wigan centre, is currently mostly arable farmland with some grazing. A letter from Bellway to local councillor Steve Jones says the land "has long been earmarked for development in the adopted local plan – being a broad location for development where the principle of residential development is acceptable." The consultation runs from August 14 to 28, with leaflet drops and a public website, ahead of any formal planning application.
Community response
Ashton Park Football Club has expressed interest in the improved pitches and changing rooms, stating it needs facilities "fit for purpose," which the development aims to deliver. Councillor Jones noted the landowner has separately offered a new park on Rose Hill, adding: "Personally I would much rather the council were not insisting on a new road and access could come from Stubshaw where there are already link roads that could bypass Bryn and Ashton altogether." Councillor Rob Kenyon said he is "not in favour of building on green spaces," preferring brownfield sites in Wigan for housing demand.
