Family told 'black and white doesn't go together' in racist abuse over home plans
16.02.2023 - 10:27
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A row over a new home in Ashton involved 'racist behaviour', councillors have heard.
Plans to build a five-bed home had already been given full planning permission on Bowland Avenue last year, but amendments requested later received 17 objections - which meant they were referred to the Planning Committee for a decision.
The amendments included an extra elevation for an office and utility room, the garage to be converted into a bedroom and bathroom, additional ground floor windows, an additional parking space and internal room changes.
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But, Sunil Balan, who spoke in favour of the proposal at Wigan Town Hall on February 14, said his family was the victim of 'racist slurs' after applying to make the changes.
Mr Balan told the committee: “These are minimal changes to the approved plan [which was given the green light last year].
“The overall height and changes [to the building will remain the same]. The new changes will take up the size of a car parking space.
“All we want is for all our family to live under one roof again. There has been a lot of lies and hatred spread about me and my family [online].
“Racist slurs like ‘black and white doesn’t go together’. We were being targeted.
“I want my family to be treated equally. Only a small minority of residents are trying to prevent this.”
Mr Balan did not to refer to any individual when making the racist allegations to the committee. Wendy Porter, who spoke against the application in the council chamber explained how the construction - which has already started - has had a negative impact on her mother’s health, who lives on Bowland Avenue.
“This proposal has already exacerbated an already