Hindley Residents Demand Infrastructure Before Housing Construction

Plans for thousands of new homes have undergone scrutiny by hundreds of local residents, who assert that there can be “no homes without roads.” Wigan Council and associated developers intend to construct 2,000 residences within Wigan’s south Hindley district. However, residents contend that a substantial road network must be established prior to any housing construction. An updated proposal, slated for submission in February, incorporates an east-west link road featuring four entry points to the prospective estate, situated between Liverpool Road and Leigh Road; nevertheless, residents deem this insufficient. A determination regarding these plans is anticipated in autumn 2025. Among the 500 individuals who participated in two public consultation sessions held in Hindley and Hindley Green, arranged by the council and Peel through real estate firm Avison Young, the sentiment was expressed that a significant bypass is required through Hindley to ease the flow of traffic between Wigan and Bolton. Brian Neary, aged 65, indicated that while the volume of proposed housing is not his primary concern, the insufficient infrastructure is. He stated, “The road through the estate that will link Liverpool Road and Leigh Road will add to the traffic that’s already there.” He further elaborated, “Sometimes from Hindley it takes me an hour to get into Wigan by car and it’s only four miles away. What I am saying is that we can’t have homes with no roads.” Conversely, Bob Watson, 71, expressed support for the proposals, which encompass a new local center featuring a primary school, retail outlets, a healthcare facility, and additional community amenities. He commented, “It’s sad that I am the only person who seems to be in favour of it. If you are in your early 20s and trying to get on the housing ladder this is a good thing.” Wigan Council affirmed that the updated plan is designed to benefit both current and prospective communities.