Many people continue to ask what is really happening with the proposed redevelopment of Winstanley Hall. 

Key information is still missing, engagement at the highest level has not happened, and decisions with permanent consequences may be made without the full picture being publicly available.

Not restoration – radical modernisation 

The submitted plans would fundamentally alter one of Wigan’s most important historic buildings and permanently remove its Green Belt setting. Most of the internal layout and historic fabric of the hall would be removed, with the outer walls retained and a modern structure built inside. This would erase forever the building’s historic character and craftsmanship. Once done, it cannot be undone. This is not restoration in the usual sense, it is a permanent transformation of a landmark that forms part of the borough’s identity into a modern building within original walls. It does not offer community access to the original building. Zero community benefit exists with this planning submission. Please don’t be fooled by cleverly worded marketing documents or websites. 

Why this affects local people

This is not just about one building. Developments of this scale will affect traffic, infrastructure, public services, flooding risk, access to green space, and the character of surrounding communities. Decisions taken now will shape how this area functions for decades, for residents, families and future generations.

Information requests overdue

The Save Winstanley Greenbelt Group have submitted multiple Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests to Wigan Council to understand how this scheme developed and what alternatives were considered. These requests are now significantly beyond the legal response timeframe. Wigan Council has breached their statutory obligations multiple times. Though this may be the lesser of two evils for them. 

We were also told that the Council’s Assistant Director of Legal Services would provide a response last week regarding the missing request information. That response has not arrived.

For a project of this scale, delays without explanation inevitably undermine confidence in process, governance and decision making.

Extensive discussions – little disclosure

We know it is a fact that numerous meetings between the Council, the developer, Historic England and other bodies have taken place over several years. However, the substance of those discussions, including the evidence considered, alternatives explored and the reasoning behind key decisions, has not been shared.

This raises a basic question. Major planning decisions like this normally rely on reports, studies and recorded discussions. If those documents exist, they have not been disclosed despite formal requests. If they do not exist, that would itself raise serious concerns about how such a significant proposal has been developed.

Either way, residents, and potentially decision-makers, are being asked to assess the plans without seeing the full context.

There is also a practical planning risk. If councillors wished to refuse the application but lacked robust evidence, the Council could struggle to defend that decision at appeal, meaning the final outcome might be decided elsewhere rather than locally. This risk has been repeatedly highlighted, yet the information needed to address it has not been provided. We ask ourselves why?

The gap between the scale of discussions known to have taken place and the information available publicly undermines confidence that the process is as robust and accountable as the importance of the site demands.

Refusal of senior engagement

Community representatives asked to meet the Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux, to discuss these concerns directly. That request has been declined by email yesterday, with an offer instead to meet with a senior technical officer. We await Josh Simons promise to materialise that he would make the meeting with the Council leader happen. 

While we will continue to engage constructively, decisions of this magnitude ultimately sit at political leadership level. Residents deserve dialogue with those accountable for the outcome.

Planning comments

Many local people have submitted objections. Upon analysis a noticeable clustering of supportive comments appear on the planning portal within short timeframes. We cannot say who submitted them, but the pattern has raised understandable questions of legitimacy.

Missing context for decision-makers

Without access to the full evidential background, including earlier discussions and alternative options, Planning Committee members may be asked to make a decision without seeing the complete picture. For a proposal of this scale, that is deeply concerning.

Our MP – @Josh Simons

We still continue to wait for a clear public position from our MP, Josh Simons. We now understand he engaged and met early to discuss the proposals alongside the Council and developers, which makes his voice particularly important now. Residents are seeking reassurance that their concerns are being actively represented and not wrapped up in misplaced political ‘press-on itis’. 

What you can do

Public input matters. Decisions are influenced by the level of community engagement. If people stay silent, decision-makers may assume there is no concern.

If this issue matters to you, you can:

• Contact your MP josh.simons.mp@parliament.uk and Ward Councillors 

• Write to the Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux: ce@wigan.gov.uk

• Please share this post with others who may not yet be aware

Even a short message helps demonstrate that the community is paying attention and objects to the proposal. Active public engagement is essential if decisions are to reflect the views of the community. Please share your concerns.

Where we stand

We are not opposed to all development. We are asking for transparency, proper scrutiny, and decisions that can genuinely be defended in the public interest.

Residents have engaged constructively and in good faith for many months. We hope the outstanding information will be provided and that meaningful dialogue will take place before irreversible decisions are made.

Winstanley Hall matters – not just today, but for future generations.

Once a decision is made, the opportunity to influence the outcome may be gone. Please don’t let that happen on our watch.