OVER 250 people packed into Garrett Hall School at Tyldesley for a public meeting to discuss development plans for Chaddock Lane farmland.

Wigan councillors Brian Wilson and Alan Stephenson called the meeting following a storm of protest from people concerned that Peel Holdings planned Astley Employment Park -- revealed last month -- would have a detrimental effect in their environment.

At Monday night's meeting residents were urged to make the most of the opportunity to voice their concerns and to lodge objections with Wigan's Director for Planning. They were also advised against complacency should the plan be rejected by Wigan Council's development control committee because the decision may then go to appeal.

Fifteen years ago some of the grazing land concerned was part of a development plan which was blocked by a government inspector who said the open land should be valued as an amenity for future generations.

Philip Rothwell, development planning manager for Peel, who were not invited to Monday's meeting, said: "I would hope the planning committee would give very serious consideration to the proposed development. We remain of the opinion that there will be significant benefits resulting from the development principally in terms of creating employment opportunities and also providing a very attractive facility for the local

school.

"However, if Committee decide to refuse permission we will consider the reasons for refusal and then decide whether or not to proceed with an appeal."