MORE than 20 nearby residents have lodged objections to detailed plans for 220 houses on the site of the former Bruche Police Training Centre, Warrington.
Outline planning consent was granted to housebuilders Morris Homes more than a year ago, but detailed proposals for eight five-bedroom detached houses, 127 four bedroom houses, 19 three-bedroom detached 
houses, 23 three-bedroom and 43 two-bedroom mews properties have now been submitted and will be considered by the borough council’s development management committee next week.
The plan includes areas of open space, including what is described as a large woodland, with a feature pond.
Most of the objections relate to highway matters. But borough councillor Colin Froggatt opposes retention of a chain link fence which, he says, is overgrown by a conifer hedge and infested with bindweed.
He is also concerned an increased traffic volumes at peak periods and at the length of time the development will take – he believes it should be completed within three years.
Nearby residents object to the use of Bruche Avenue for access and say there are already difficulties exiting on to Manchester Road, where there is a dangerous junction..
They fear Southdale Road and Royston Avenue may be used as short cuts and that the proposed houses will be too close to existing property, with a subsequent loss of privacy, outlook and daylight.
The 8.7 hectare site was originally developed as a transit station for troops during World War Two. It was redeveloped as a training centre for police during the 1950s but closed in 2006.
Officers are recommending the scheme be approved. They say it will make a significant contribution to affordable housing the borough.
A contribution for off-site affordable housing has been agreed offering 44 homes and in addition, 30 per cent of the proposes homes on the site would also be affordable – 25 per cent of which would be for social rent and 25 per cent for affordable rent.
Numerous buildings of various sizes occupy the site, including a swimming pool, disused running circuit, football field, kitchen and dining area and bar.
Picture: Bruche Police Training Centre when it was operational.
Homes plan at former Bruche police training centre opposed by neighbours
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
