Gibfield Park Development Update
We know residents have questions about the future of Gibfield and recent activity around the site. This update explains the current position, what survey activity means and how local people can take part in any future planning process.
Where are we now?
In August 2026, Wigan Council’s Cabinet agreed to object to Peel Land’s proposed Gibfield Park masterplan. Cabinet’s position was that the housing and industrial proposals were not acceptable in their current form and did not have cabinet members’ support. No planning application for the wider development has been approved. Any future application would be considered through the formal planning process and would be subject to public consultation.
Why is Gibfield still identified for development?
West of Gibfield was allocated for homes, employment and green space through Places for Everyone, which was adopted in 2024 and now forms part of the statutory development plan. The current Wigan Local Plan process cannot reverse that allocation. However, allocation does not grant planning permission. The detail of any proposal, including its environmental, transport, infrastructure and community impacts, would still need to be assessed through the planning process.
Why can’t you remove Gibfield from Places for Everyone?
Our chief executive has written to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, requesting Gibfield to be removed from the plan. We are waiting for a response.
Has the council objected to the proposed development?
Cabinet has formally objected to the proposed masterplan and made clear that it cannot support the development now or in the future.
Why are surveys and investigations taking place?
Peel Land may undertake ecology surveys, ground-condition testing, environmental work and traffic or transport studies to understand the site and prepare evidence. These investigations do not mean planning permission has been granted or that a future application will be approved.
Does survey activity mean a planning application is imminent?
Not necessarily. The findings are commonly used to identify constraints and inform supporting documents for any future proposal. No wider planning application has been submitted.
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment scoping request?
A scoping request asks the council which environmental topics should be covered in a future Environmental Impact Assessment. It can include matters such as traffic, noise, air quality, flood risk, ecology, landscape, health, infrastructure and cumulative impacts. It is not a planning application and does not authorise development.
What happens if Peel submits a planning application?
The application and supporting documents would be published through the council’s planning service. Residents and consultees would be able to submit comments or objections. Planning officers would assess the proposal against planning policy and technical evidence before a decision is made through the appropriate decision-making process. Submission does not mean approval.
How can residents have their say?
Residents can respond to relevant consultations, submit representations on any planning application, attend community information sessions and contact the council with questions. The council is also considering practical sessions to help residents view planning documents and submit comments online.
What happens next?
The council will continue to publish significant updates, respond to relevant environmental and planning consultations, engage with the Gibfield Preservation Group and share information about any future application or Environmental Impact Assessment when it becomes publicly available.
Posted on Friday 16th October 2026