500-homes and country park proposed between Atherton and Westhoughton

The plans to create Gibfield Park, between Atherton and the Daisy Hill area of Westhoughton, also include 45,500 sqm of employment floorspace and creating a section of trunk road which is part of a strategy to better link the M61 to the M6 in an east west direction.

Developers Peel Land said Gibfield Park is allocated for development in the regional Places for Everyone Plan (PfE), the long-term joint development plan of nine Greater Manchester authorities.

The policy requires the site to be brought forwards in accordance with a masterplan that is approved by Wigan council.

The masterplan is currently being prepared by Peel Land, as landowner.

It has launched a public consultation on the draft proposals.

The masterplan includes up to 500 new homes across two sites close to North Road and Gibfield Park Way, 45,500 sqm of employment floorspace, the extension of Gibfield Park Way northwards and the creation of a country park.

Peel said the park would ‘preserve green belt land between Atherton and Westhoughton’.

A consultation website, set up by Peel Land, said: “Gibfield Park is strategically located within NorthFold growth corridor, one of the key growth locations within the city-region.

“The NorthFold strategic vision was established in 2025 as a collaboration between Wigan and Bolton councils, working together with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and development partners including Peel Land.

“Peel Land is proud to be bringing forward this proposed masterplan, continuing our commitment to sustainable development and strong community partnerships.”

Another Peel Group developer, Northstone, along with with affordable housing provider Torus is currently completing the construction of 113 affordable homes, known as Popple, off Stothert Street, Atherton, next to Gibfield Park.

Peel Land, added: “A key element of the emerging proposals is a country park for all to use, approximately 29 hectares in size (equivalent to around 40 football pitches). The Country Park will be accessible from both the east and west to integrate it into the new and existing communities.

“The park will deliver habitat enhancement, creation and long-term protection through ecologically led landscape design.

“The focus will be on improving existing habitats and creating new features, including a series of wetland pockets in the central area.

“The park will include a 1km walking and running loop that will be accessible to all, as well as a heritage trail providing information about the coal mining history of the site.”

Peel said following the consultation, feedback will be reviewed as they move towards finalising the masterplan for approval by Wigan Council.

Each of the proposals for housing and employment space will require separate planning applications, subject to the masterplan being approved.

The consultation information can be found at https://gibfieldpark.consultationonline.co.uk/.