434 Wigan Road Atherton Manchester M46 0QD

1. 1.The proposed development, by reason of its layout, intensity of use, and lack of appropriate internal and external amenity provision, would result in an over-intensive form of residential occupation that fails to provide a satisfactory standard of accommodation for future occupants. The absence of a dedicated communal living space, the inadequate arrangement of toilet and shower facilities for Bedroom 5, and the lack of privacy offered to bedroom 1 would lead to a poor-quality living environment. Furthermore, the limited area of usable outdoor amenity space for essential functions such as drying clothes and general outdoor amenity space exacerbates the deficiency in residential amenity provision. These shortcomings collectively result in a development that fails to deliver a high standard of residential accommodation as required by local and national planning policy. The development is therefore considered to be contrary to Policies CP6, CP10 and CP17 of the Wigan Local Plan Core Strategy, Policies JP-P1 and JP-H3 of the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan, the Council's Houses in Multiple Occupation and Residential Design Guide Supplementary Planning Documents, and the design and amenity related objectives set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.In the absence of a satisfactory management plan and clear evidence of how the property will be operated to avoid adverse impacts, the proposal raises significant concerns in relation to the amenity of neighbouring residents and the effective integration of the development into the surrounding area. This is especially important given the intensity of occupation and limited quality of accommodation proposed. The development is therefore considered contrary to Policies CP6 and CP17 of the Wigan Local Plan Core Strategy, Policies JP-P1 and JP-H3 of the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan, the Council's Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document, and the amenity- related objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. 3.The proposed five person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) would introduce a materially more intensive residential use without any on site vehicle parking in a location fronting a key route on the highway network and situated in a tightly grained residential area already subject to comprehensive parking restrictions, and where intensive residential uses are competing for limited on street parking opportunities. The inevitable displacement of vehicles onto surrounding streets and the associated comings and goings would generate increased noise and disturbance, causing unacceptable harm to the amenity of neighbouring occupiers. Furthermore, the absence of convenient, dedicated parking provision would fail to ensure an appropriate standard of amenity for future residents. The proposal is therefore contrary to Wigan Local Plan Core Strategy Policies CP6, CP7, CP10 and CP17, saved Wigan Replacement Unitary Development Plan Policy A1S, Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Policies JP P1 and JP C8, the Council's Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document and Car Parking Standards for New Development Policy Note, and the National Planning Policy Framework, which collectively require developments to provide suitable parking provision, avoid adverse amenity impacts, and ensure that intensification does not result in poor quality places or unacceptable effects on existing communities.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

M46 0QD

Date validated

24 September 2025

Architect profile

P4B ARCHITECTURE LTD