A1P (1) MAJOR HIGHWAY SCHEMES - A5225 ... - Wigan Council

10.133 The objector proposes that land to the south of the proposed A5225 road,
and to the immediate north and west of Primary Employment Area EM1A14, should be
designated for a mixed-use development which would reinforce the Primary Employment
Area with complementary industrial/commercial uses. Even if the A5225 road was
constructed, this area would be accessible only via the EM1A14 designation. There is no
indication that the owner of that land would support such a scheme. Identification of that
site would be contrary to the advice of PPG12 (paragraph 6.24) that the provisions of
development plans should be realistic and likely to be implemented during the plan
period. If such a proposal did arise, UDP policy EM1C would provide the context for the
LPA’s decision. There is no need, therefore, for a specific allocation of this land.
10.134 The objector contends that an area of land to the north, south and west of
Forshaw’s Tip should be safeguarded for residential development beyond the plan period.
This area is identified on the UDP proposals map as safeguarded land, thereby allowing
its potential for development to be assessed at a future plan review. Having regard to the
advice of PPG3 (paragraph 30) it would not be appropriate to extend any greater
commitment to the development of this area.
10.135 The objector notes that much of the land to which his objections refer is
proposed to be designated as safeguarded land under policy GB2. He argues that, because
safeguarded land is not within the green belt, it is wrong for the LPA to treat it (via policy
GB2) as if it was. I deal with this matter in the section of this report which relates to
policy GB2. He also expresses concern that no guidance is given by the RDD on the
types, quantum or timescale of its development. PPG2 (Annex B, paragraph B2) advises
that safeguarded land is that which may be required to serve development needs well
beyond the plan period. Since it is not the role of the RDD to provide a policy framework
for the period beyond 2016, it is to be expected that the UDP would present no guidance
on these matters.
Recommendation
I recommend:
(REC 10.18) that the RDD be modified by the deletion of the provisions for the
safeguarding of land for the construction of the A5225 Wigan and Hindley Bypass.
(REC 10.19) that no other modification be made to the RDD in response to these
objections.
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