New Homes on Farmland Spark Fears of Worse Traffic and Crowded Services

Folks in Atherton are worried about a big housing project. The plan involves building 550 houses on local farmland. People fear more traffic, crowded schools, and packed doctors’ offices.

The Lilford Estate wants to build on 51.5 acres. This land is south of Bolton Road in Shakerley. A meeting let people share their thoughts, and it took place at nearby Botanica Gardens. Neighbors and a group called ASPECT attended.

ASPECT stands for Atherton South Ecological Community Team. Local council members like James Fish also showed up. Barbara Constantine leads ASPECT, and she says her group is practical about development. They lost a fight against building in Atherton back in 2013.

This event previewed Lilford’s housing application. If Wigan approves the plan, details will come later. ASPECT shared that Wigan already okayed the project and it’s been in Wigan’s plans for over ten years. Residents can still suggest site improvements.

Council member James Fish spoke after the meeting. He said everyone he talked to opposed the build, because many feel the area lacks the basics for new people. Roads are already too busy.

Vinny Smith lives on Peel Lane, and he says the traffic is outrageous and causes delays. His wife must leave early for work; a short trip takes a lot of time. John Patrick is from Douglas Park, and he thinks more houses will worsen traffic a lot. Imagine 1,500 extra cars; it would only make things worse.

Sian Carradus lives on Crawford Avenue. Her home overlooks the building site, and she worries about flooding and land issues by old mines. Images showed recent flooding near her home. Phil Mills says school space is a huge problem. Nearby schools are already full. He asks if they will build a brand-new school for the kids.

Sian also mentioned wildlife concerns. She fears mining problems will affect the land near her house, and she is worried about losing her garden. Judy Westerdale shares traffic and green space fears. She is skeptical about progress resulting in improved facilities, and she believes the traffic will be especially awful.

Wigan Council marked the Shakerley land for housing development earlier. It’s also in Greater Manchester’s development plan. The project has been on the government’s radar.

Lilford Estate says they are devoted to Atherton’s future. They have provided parks before and aim to deliver sustainable growth. Also, they want a lasting legacy. Lilford sent event invites to 1,300 people. They said the meeting had good attendance, and they want to consider all views and evidence. Wigan will then decide on the proposal.