'Eyesore' Chinese restaurant to be demolished to make way for new apartment block
16.06.2023 - 02:56
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A derelict Chinese restaurant in Wigan is set to be demolished to make way for a new affordable apartment block for people with disabilities and extra care needs.
The former site of Shanghai Palace in Poolstock will be destroyed and replaced with 24 apartments and six bungalows, the council’s Planning Committee has decided.
The site, just outside Wigan town centre, will provide accommodation for people with assessed social care needs, such as disabilities, autism and mental health problems.
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But the plans have caused controversy among some local residents who say the new apartments would be 'horrendous.' They cited extra noise and lack of natural light as a major issue.
Wigan's Planning Committee rejected the complaints, and said the new plans 'create a much more pleasant street scene' in place of the dilapidated former restaurant.
The new building will provide 24, one-bed apartments, plus separate lounge and office areas for support staff. The accommodation, which will have 19 car parking spaces, will include 100 per cent affordable housing.
At a meeting on June 13 at Wigan Town Hall, the Planning Committee heard concerns from objectors who claimed this development put forward by Homelife Holdings Limited could cause traffic congestion, overlook nearby homes and increase noise and disturbance during construction.
Linda Higham, speaking against the application in the council chamber, said: "If this application goes through it is going to be horrendous for us as it is literally at the bottom of my back garden. We are a quiet residential area of two storey buildings in James Grove.
"We feel this is not in keeping with the area. The noise that