PLANNING chiefs have deferred making a decision on a massive nursing home extension in the Pennington conservation area until they have visited the site in Leigh.

Owners of Pennington View, a 12 bedroomed nursing home on St Helens Road, have submitted plans to extend on a grand scale adding 25 bedrooms, a lounge, conservatory, reception, staffroom and staff accommodation.

Officers reported to Wigan council development control committee that the sheer scale of the rear extension on the large detached Victorian property would have a detrimental impact on the residential amenity of neighbours.

Nearby residents have also written half a dozen letters to the council complaining the extension was too large and out of proportion and expressed concern it would affect the character of the conservation area.

Cllr Kevin Anderson wrote to planning chiefs: "The proposed extension would more than double the size of the existing facility. Some neighbours of the proposed development have expressed concern as to whether it is suitable for a residential area."