Affordable homes scheme gets green light

A housing redevelopment providing dozens of affordable apartments as part of a Wigan Council delivery programme has moved a step forward.

Logwood Place in Newtown, which will site 74 one and two-bedroom apartments all for affordable rent, received cabinet approval in December.

The plans include demolishing the existing buildings with the redevelopment set to deliver modern, attractive and sustainable council housing in our borough.

Wigan Council has already been consulting with existing tenants and residents of Logwood Place and the nearby residents, with the proposals being met with overwhelmingly positive support.

The council has submitted the planning application for the redevelopment. Subject to planning approval, works are expected to begin on site this year.

Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said:

“The homes as they are do not reflect our ambitions for our council homes. We are working to deliver high quality, sustainable, affordable, accessible and adaptable homes in our borough.

“By talking to residents of Logwood Place we have been able to refine our plans, and I am really pleased that they have given our proposals their wholehearted support.

“Council housing across the country is under huge pressure and by investing and building new homes with our partners, we are proactively working to tackle that shortage here in our borough.”

Based on expert assessment on housing need in Wigan Borough, and consultation with tenants and residents, the proposed redevelopment will be 74 apartments for affordable rent. This will be made up of 67 one- bedroom, two one-bedroom fully wheelchair accessible, and five two-bedroom apartments.

Last year, around 30 families and individuals lived at Logwood Place and Wigan Council has been working with them to find alternative homes, with a dedicated rehousing officer supporting them through this process.

Coun Gambles added: “This is a complex redevelopment with the existing buildings needing to be demolished. We have been awarded grant funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help facilitate this redevelopment, as well as contributing council funding to the project.

“This is a really exciting time, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to the tenants and residents of Logwood Place and the surrounding area for their cooperation and support.”