PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are expected this week to give the go-ahead for a major expansion of the giant Omega development site which will provide up to 4,000 new jobs.
Outline proposals for “Zone 7” of the Omega South site, close to the M62 Junction 8, will be put to the borough council’s development management committee on Thursday.
They involve more than 2.1 million square feet of manufacturing and logistics floor space.
Objections have been lodged by six residents and by Whittle Hall councillor Keith Gleave. But planning officers are recommending the proposals be approved.
The plans, put forward by Omega Warrington Ltd (OWL), include 2.1m sq ft of manufacturing and logistics space and a new access road providing a link from Junction 8 of the M62 to Omega Boulevard.
There is also 35 acres of publically accessible “Green Heart” woodland and parkland for wildlife preservation.
An area where rare, protected Great Crested Newts are known to exist, will be preserved.
Zone 7 is set within the context of a wider Omega masterplan which seeks to deliver a high quality, mixed-use development of commercial uses -offices, logistics and manufacturing – new homes, a school, retail and restaurants/bars/hotel.
The masterplan also includes a comprehensive approach to transport, landscape and ecology.
There is a new access road for Omega South running from Omega Boulevard, through Zone 7, and across to Junction 8 of the M62 which aims to enabled construction and later business traffic to bypass local roads to go direct to the M62. Heavy vehicles from the Royal Mail depot and Lingley Mere would also be catered for.
Nearby residents say the area is already heavily congested and will lead to more traffic going through residential areas. They complain that the new jobs will not be of the quality originally envisaged.
Cllr Gleave says there has been a lack of meaningful consultation with residents.
No thought has been giv en to the increased pollution which residents will suffer and there is a lack of green open space to break up the harsh buildings to be constructed.
He also complains at the lack of quality jobs likely to be attracted to the area.
The plans are supported by St Helens Borough Council who see the potential for jobs for St Helens residents.
4,000 new jobs plan for Omega
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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.
