Vistry Submits Detailed Plans for 1,491-Home Community at North Leigh Park
Detailed plans have been officially submitted for a major new community comprising 1,491 homes and a section of trunk road at North Leigh Park in Wigan. Developer Vistry Group has lodged a new planning application with Wigan Council, providing comprehensive details on the layout, appearance, landscaping, and scale of the proposed development.
This application follows outline permission granted in 2013 for up to 1,700 homes at the site. The new submission marks a significant step forward in realizing the vision for North Leigh Park, which aims to deliver a sustainable, well-connected, and attractive new neighbourhood for the borough.
Site History and Previous Development
The North Leigh Park site spans a vast 178 acres, located 2.6km north-west of Leigh town centre, east of the A578 (Leigh Road). It has an industrial past, having been used for coal mining, sand extraction quarrying, industrial waste management, a scrap yard, and sewage treatment.
Two parts of the wider site have already been developed. In 2021, Countryside Properties created 87 homes near Nel Pan Lane. Additionally, Bellway Homes developed 99 homes on the northern edge of the site, accessed from Tiverton Avenue.
The current application covers 68 hectares of the residual undeveloped area, including the proposed link road. The design strategically avoids highly contaminated zones to ensure safe redevelopment and protection for future residents.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
A key component of the plan is the new trunk road infrastructure, which will connect Leigh Road (A578) to Atherleigh Way (A579). This road is part of the strategically significant highway network required to link junction 5 of the M61 with junction 26 of the M6, enhancing regional connectivity.
The site was recently selected as one of six priority housing locations under the Government's New Homes Accelerator programme. This initiative aims to overcome planning barriers and accelerate the delivery of new affordable homes and supporting infrastructure.
Developer's Vision and Community Impact
In a design and access statement published on the council's planning portal, Vistry Group outlined its vision for North Leigh Park. The development seeks to transform a complex former industrial site into a well-planned new neighbourhood, preventing long-term environmental issues.
Matthew Parkes, Managing Director of Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, stated in January, "We are pleased to be bringing forward the next phases of North Leigh Park and continuing to work with Wigan Council, the Government, and the local community to deliver much-needed new homes in this part of the borough."
He added, "This is a significant opportunity to turn it into a well-planned new neighbourhood, with new homes, green spaces, local facilities, and improved connections."
The proposed development includes not only housing but also green spaces and local facilities, aiming to create a vibrant and sustainable community. Wigan Council is expected to make a decision on the plans in the coming weeks, which could significantly impact housing supply and urban regeneration in the area.
