Letter distributed by Coun. Adrian Owens on the fate of The Windmill, Wigan Road:

Dear Resident living close to the former Windmill pub,

I am writing to update you about the planning position at the former Windmill pub.

The planning application submitted last May to leave the Windmill pub unoccupied and unused but to build 4 terraced houses facing Mill Street on part of the bowling green has been withdrawn.

I have kept in close touch with the case officer throughout. She agreed with the point I made last June when I called for a comprehensive redevelopment of the whole site to come forward so that the Windmill, which is a listed building is restored and conserved.

The case officer understands that the applicant will now seek to bring forward a comprehensive scheme although there is no indication as to when that will be.

In the meantime, I have involved the council’s Heritage Manager and planning enforcement in ensuring that the former pub is kept watertight and secure and that the site is kept sufficiently tidy. However, if you have any concerns in relation to this, please contact me.

Yours sincerely, Councillor Adrian Owens