Temporary accommodation centre at Queens Arms, 9 Harrison Street, Wigan

“Full planning permission is sought for the change of use of the former Queens Arms public house to a temporary accommodation and support centre for homeless individuals with medium support needs. The proposal includes internal refurbishment and minor external alterations to facilitate the new use.”

“The facility will provide short-term accommodation, from up to 1 month to 6 months, for single individuals who have become homeless. The time residents will remain on site is dependent on each individual need. The aim is to support residents in transitioning to independent living through on-site mentoring and structured support.”

“The application site relates to the Queens Arms, Harrison Street, Wigan, which is currently a vacant public house. It also includes an area of parking directly to the rear of the property which is accessed off Bridgewater Street. The building is two-storey and has been extended by way of a single storey extension to the rear. An enclosed external area is also located to the rear.”

“The building is located at the junction of Harrison Street, Bridgewater Street and Warrington Road, which is a major route into Wigan Town Centre alongside the Saddle Junction. The allocated Newtown Local Centre is located 60 metres to the north / north-west of the site. The Local Centre consists (in the main) of a supermarket, retail and commercial uses and a number of late-night hot food establishments.”

“The proposed development would provide temporary accommodation for single individuals with support needs, supported by on-site services including health outreach, skills development, and employment support. This aligns with Core Strategy Policy CP6, which seeks to ensure that housing provision meets the needs of all residents, including those requiring specialist or supported accommodation.”

“Taking all of the above considerations into account, the principle of development is assessed to be acceptable to Officers. The proposal constitutes sustainable development as defined by the NPPF and aligns with the strategic aims of the PfE Plan, Core Strategy and saved UDP Policies. It would deliver significant social benefits by addressing homelessness, improving health outcomes, and promoting social inclusion.”

“A Management and Operational Statement has been submitted in support of the application, which has been revised and updated since the submission of planning application reference ‘A/24/098258/CU’. This statement sets out that the facility will operate with 24-hour staffing, comprising of four independent living mentors, accommodation support workers, senior support officers and security/concierge personnel who will work on a rota basis.”

“The Management and Operational Statement also states that all admissions and discharges will be co-ordinated, and residents will be met on site by a mentor. A strict no-visitors policy and 9pm curfew will be enforced and residents’ access into the accommodation will be secured by an electronic key fob. This will ensure that only authorised persons and residents can enter the facility.”

“Pedestrian and cycle access would be provided from Bridgewater Street as per the existing access arrangements. Secondary access would be provided from the car parking through the courtyard to the side of the building. This is considered acceptable.”

“There are no proposals to change the vehicular access and car parking arrangements for the site with access provided via the existing access from Bridgewater Street. There would be 12 no. vehicle parking spaces provided for the site. Given the intended use of the site this is considered acceptable.”

“- Amenity impacts locally from increased noise, and overlooking into neighbouring properties, loss of privacy; - The site is not compatible with Saddle Court which is occupied by elderly residents; some of whom may be vulnerable; - Anti-social behaviour and increase in crime; - Increase in traffic to and from the site and increased demand for on-street parking; - The existing site operated by the Brick is to be retained and this use is not a replacement facility; - Potential…”

“- The proposal will have community benefits and will address rising homelessness; - The proposal will provide vital services and improve wellbeing for occupants; - The site is suitably located with good infrastructure and emergency services close by; - The applicant is a charity, and such organisations should be supported; - The service offered is urgently required given the time of year; - The building has been vacant for some time and should be utilised rather than sitting…”

“The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the Management Plan titled 'The Brick - Management and Operational Statement' (Dated: August 2025). The approved use shall at all times comply with the measures and provisions set out in the Management Plan unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 4.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the 'Works Schedule and Management Plan' document shall set out, but not be limited to, providing details of the following: - Any physical works to be undertaken to the vehicle parking, such as resurfacing, demarcation, installation of gates and/or new access/exit arrangements and any soft and hard landscaping; - Any necessary protection measures for existing tree and / or soft landscaping features to be retained whilst the above works are…”