Winstanley Hall is a cherished heritage site, a testament to our rich history, and an emblem of our community's cultural identity. Recently, there has been a proposal to develop 400 houses on Greenbelt Land in Winstanley. This move allegedly supports the 'restoration' of Winstanley Hall. However, upon delving into the planning documents and communications, it becomes evident that the proposal may not fully align with its purported goals.

The local community, alongside a dedicated group of residents, has taken it upon themselves to scrutinise the available information. They have sifted through the planning documents, pursued delayed responses from authorities, and voiced concerns where transparency is lacking.

One clear issue is the idea that building on Greenbelt Land will genuinely facilitate the restoration of Winstanley Hall. This is a myth that needs dispelling. The development could compromise an irreplaceable environmental asset, undermining both the aesthetic and ecological value of the region.

Greenbelt Land is protected for a reason. It acts as the lungs of the area, providing a necessary buffer against urban sprawl, preserving natural habitats, and offering recreational spaces for the public. Enabling construction here sets a perilous precedent where short-term gains could overshadow long-term environmental consequences.

Moreover, it raises questions about transparency and accountability in the planning process. Why has there been a delay in responses? What alternative measures have been considered to restore Winstanley Hall without sacrificing the green space that residents hold dear?

We call upon the developers and Wigan Council to halt this proposal, reassess the plan with genuine consideration for both historical and environmental stewardship, and explore alternative solutions that do not risk degrading our protected land.

Should this proposal proceed to the planning committee, we request that the panel carefully review and take into account the full breadth of information that is publicly available, including all submitted objections, supporting evidence, and representations from statutory consultees. The committee should not rely solely on an officer’s report or summary, but instead ensure that the true scale and substance of the issues raised are properly understood and duly considered.

Furthermore, the proposal should be rejected in full on the grounds that the legal basis for enabling development, along with the requirements of all other relevant legislation and policy frameworks, has very clearly not been met. Any potential public benefit that may be claimed for the proposal is significantly outweighed by the substantial and irreparable harm the proposed development would cause to this protected landscape and its historic and environmental value.

We urge you to sign this petition to safeguard the Greenbelt Land in Winstanley, preserve our environment, and ensure honest and responsible development practices. Let us protect our community's future by preventing irreversible damage today.