The site, which had stood vacant since 2022 will see homes let for ‘social rent’
(Image: A block of 22 flats has been built at the former Pit Pony Inn site)
The site of a former pub has been transformed into 22 affordable homes.
Developer Watson has handed over the block of flats to affordable housing group Jigsaw Homes, on the site of the former Pit Pony Inn, Ashton-in-Makerfield. Units at the housing complex will be offered for social rent.
The homes consist of three two-bedroom apartments and 19 one-bedroom apartments.
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Watson said it had ‘transformed a long-vacant brownfield site into a sustainable residential development that delivers 22 affordable homes and lasting social value for the local community’.
The Pit Pony site, on Low Bank Road, had stood vacant since 2022.
All the flats are contained in a part two-storey and part three-storey building which also includes landscaped outdoor spaces and off-road parking.
Prior to the scheme being approved in 2024 there were 36 objections submitted to the council along with concerns from ward councillors.
Those issues were summarised at the time as concerns about the ‘design of the building and its appearance within the surrounding area, stating the height of the building will harm the privacy of neighbours’.
Mike Watson, director at Watson, said: “Projects like Pit Pony demonstrate the important role that brownfield regeneration can play in addressing housing need.
“Wigan council’s housing strategy identifies a need for 972 new homes each year, and developments like this help meet that demand by bringing underused sites back into productive use and delivering high-quality affordable homes for local people.
“Working closely with Jigsaw Homes and the council, we have transformed a long-vacant site into a development that will deliver lasting benefits for the community.
“Affordable housing remains at the heart of our approach, and we are committed to creating long-term social value through regeneration, creating places that support local communities for future generations.”
Katie Marshall, from Jigsaw Homes, said: “These new homes will provide high-quality, affordable accommodation for local people in Ashton-in-Makerfield, helping more residents access secure housing in a well-connected community.
“By bringing a long-vacant site back into use, the development also demonstrates how underused land can be transformed to meet local housing need.”
