Local Plan evidence base

The Wigan Borough Local Plan has been informed by robust, relevant and up-to-date evidence. 

Key local studies which provide evidence on the economic, social and environmental characteristics and prospects of the borough are set out below by Local Plan theme:

Plan-wide

• Integrated Assessment
• Infrastructure Delivery Plan
• Viability Assessment of the Local Plan (2025) and addendum letter (2026)
• Safeguarded Land Report
• Self-Assessment Toolkit 2: Local Plan form and content checklist
• Self-Assessment Toolkit 3: Local Plan process requirements
• Self-Assessment Toolkit 4: Local Plan Soundness and Quality Assessment

People:

• Wigan Open Space Report
• Wigan Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy – Assessment Report
• Wigan Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy – Strategy and Action Plan

Homes:

• Wigan Housing Strategy and Housing Needs Assessment
• Wigan Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment
• Greater Manchester Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment
• Sites in the Green Belt promoted by landowners and developers for housing

Jobs:

• Economic Market and Employment Land Assessment
• Wigan Economic Vision - We Are Wigan
• Case for an Economic Development Fund

Transport:

• Wigan Borough Transport Strategy
• Greater Manchester Transport Strategy (external link)

Places:

• Green Belt Assessment 2016 - Final Report
• Green Belt Assessment 2016 
• Wigan Borough Historic Environment Strategy

Town and local centres:

• Review of local centres in Wigan Borough report
• Threshold Policy for Retail and Leisure Study (2025)

Environment:

• Greater Manchester Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (external link)
• Greater Manchester Level 2 Hybrid Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (external link)
• Flood Risk Evidence Assessment (2026)
• Greater Manchester Landscape Character and Sensitivity Assessment
• Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (2025) (external link)

Topic Papers and Site Allocation Assessments:

• Local Plan topic papers
• Local Plan site allocation assessments