POWERS to take over property without permission from the owner are ‘likely to be needed’ if plans to develop land at Pocket Nook in Lowton are to progress.
Plans to build around 600 homes and 15,000 sqm of work floorspace are part of Greater Manchester’s proposals for homes, jobs and the environment.
But one landowners at Pocket Nook in Lowton, Peter Adamson, has repeatedly told a number of authorities he has no intention to sell his farm, off Carr Lane.
Half of Carr Farm is already under threat from the new high speed railway, HS2, which would involve the loss of 32 acres of his farmland if it is to go ahead.
Mr Adamson, who has already discussed compulsory purchase orders for HS2, says he is waiting for a decision from parliament on the future of the project.
He said: " I just don’t want to sell basically. I don’t want to move.”
Now Wigan Council says compulsory purchase orders may be used to build on the rest of his land.
Nick Clarke, planning and transport policy service manager, has told councillors such powers may be required for Pocket Nook and other sites across Greater Manchester.
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