Homes plan causes a storm

A PLAN to build 107 new homes – including four-storey apartments – on land near historic buildings in Warrington town centre has caused a storm of protest.
Nearby residents have lodged objections – as has the Howley Residents’ Association.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme, submitted by BWF Holdings Ltd, be refused when it comes before the borough council’s development management committee next week.
The scheme involves the former Thomas Locker factory site, bounded by Church Street and Farrell Street.
It is outside, but adjacent to the Church Street Conservation Area and there are a number of Listed buildings nearby, including St Elphin’s Parish Church (pictured), Cromwell House, Marquis of Granby pub, the National School and the General Wolfe pub.
The plan is to build 107 dwellings for the social housing provider Your Housing.
Angry residents, who have had a meeting with the developers, say they are disappointed because it was made clear the scheme would not be amended or revised, there would be no contributions towards highways or other local facilities, no land would be available for additional play space, and no assessment of the impact on local schools, which are already overcrowded.
Residents say they were told if the scheme was not approved, the site would remain in its current, unkempt condition.
Cllr Tony Higgins is backing the Howley Resident Association, who are concerned that the area already has a number of large housing association developments.
Officers are recommending the scheme be refused because proposed access arrangements do not meet design standards and would have a severe detrimental impact on local highway safety