Wigan secondary school’s expansion approved despite causing stir with neighbours

Shevington High will augment its dining hall in order to cater for the healthy eating agenda and provide a multi-functional room.

The extra room will also be used for educational needs such as meetings, events, drama, performances and exams.

The Shevington Lane site currently sits on the greenbelt and is surrounded by local residents’ homes – a fact which caused a stir ahead of the application decision.

The planning committee heard that a lack of consultation with neighbours, increase in antisocial behaviour and noise pollution and “unsightly fences” were all issues raised by objectors locally.

Wigan Town Hall was told that the fencing included in the development was proposed in order to secure the new extension and playground.

According to the planning report, anti-social behaviour concerns had no evidence to back them up and this development could actually reduce the risk due to the implementation of fencing. This is because the school could not be directly accessed.

This plan would not create additional intake of students or staff.

As the development would remain within the current school site, planning officers believed this to be an acceptable addition to the green belt.

Coun Stuart Gerrard, when moving to approve the application, said: “I think this is a welcome application. We know the circumstances of the greenbelt and hear what the residents are saying, but it is within the current school grounds.

Coun Janice Sharratt added: “Obviously it meets all the requirements and there are no real objections from what I can see.”

The proposal was approved unanimously by the committee.