16/07/2026
Jo Platt, our MP for Leigh and Atherton has asked us to circulate the following information:
Dear Parents, Carers, Children and Young People,
I am writing to update you on Peel's proposed West of Gibfield development in Atherton, which includes plans for around 500 new homes and a large employment site.
I remain firmly opposed to these proposals.
The infrastructure required to support a development of this scale is simply not in place. Local roads are already under pressure, and many residents have raised concerns about the impact on traffic, school places, healthcare services and other vital community facilities.
Over recent months, I have met with local residents and community groups, and I would like to thank everyone who took part in the previous consultation and made their views known. As a result of the representations made by local residents, community organisations and myself to both Peel and Wigan Council, the developer has made a number of changes to its proposals.
While I welcome the fact that concerns raised by the community have been listened to, in my view the changes do not go far enough to address the fundamental issues surrounding the development. Significant concerns remain about the scale of the proposal and its impact on local infrastructure and public services.
In my visits to schools across Atherton, I have also had the opportunity to speak with children, members of School Councils and school staff. Those conversations have strongly influenced my continued opposition to these plans. Time and again, I hear concerns about congestion, road safety, pressure on local services, and ensuring that any future development is supported by the infrastructure our community needs. It is important that the voices of young people, who will live with the consequences of decisions taken today, are heard as part of this debate.
Importantly, because of the changes made following the first consultation, Peel's West of Gibfield masterplan will now have to undergo a second public consultation, which is expected to begin over the summer. This is a direct result of the strength of local feeling and the representations made by residents, community groups and elected representatives.
I wanted to write to you before schools break up for the summer holidays so that families are aware of this important opportunity to have their say. This consultation will provide another chance for local people to influence plans that could have a lasting impact on our area for generations to come.
It is also important that these proposals are not viewed in isolation. Peel is bringing forward major developments on neighbouring sites, and the cumulative impact of these schemes on roads, public services and local infrastructure must be properly considered.
That is why I have been working closely with Phil Brickell MP, Member of Parliament for Bolton West, to challenge these plans. Together, we have submitted objections to Bolton Council regarding Peel's proposed Lee Hall development and highlighted concerns about the wider impact of large-scale development across our communities.
I strongly believe that local communities deserve development that is supported by the right infrastructure and shaped by meaningful consultation with local people. Growth should be properly planned and accompanied by the investment needed in roads, schools, healthcare and other public services, not imposed without appropriate planning.
Please take part in the consultation when it begins over the summer and make your voice heard. Local people have already shown that engagement can make a difference, helping to secure changes to the developer's proposals and a second round of consultation.
I will, of course, share information about the consultation as soon as the dates and details are confirmed.
Once you have submitted your response, please do feel free to contact me with your views. Hearing directly from residents helps me to continue making the strongest possible case on your behalf in my discussions with Peel, Wigan Council and neighbouring authorities.
📧 Email: [email protected]
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Yours sincerely,
Jo Platt MP
Member of Parliament for Leigh and Atherton
