Final battle to decide farms future

The fate of one of Pemberton's oldest buildings will be decided at a public inquiry.

Wainhomes Developments submitted two planning applications to build 18 apartments on the site of 200 year-old Smethurst Farm, and a third to convert the existing barn into two homes.

All were refused by Wigan Council and next week's public inquiry will see the developers and residents go head-to-head.

The original application was submitted last May but was turned down after 81 residents sent in letters of objection.

They cited potential traffic problems in Smethurst Lane, lack of space and the strain on sewers and water mains as major concerns.

Town Hall bosses said the development could not go ahead due the overall design being "poor" and too close to a noisy industrial estate.

Wainhomes later submitted an amended plan with alterations to design and layout.

But it was refused, along with a third application to convert the barn into two homes.

Ward councillor, Paul Prescott, said: "The fact is, that after this application was turned down the first time, Wainhomes made very few amendments to the plans before resubmitting them, and they are now trying to push them through via this inquiry."

Coun Prescott says Wainhomes recently sent out letters outlining the basic plans to a select few homes close to Smethurst Farm, as well as several addresses in Norley Hall – at least a 10 minute walk from the site.