Homes plan for rugby field “does not offer enough”

NEW proposals for about 55 houses on a disused rugby pitch at Appleton do not offer enough for the community, local councillors have decided.
In addition, the development would still increase traffic congestion in the area, members of Appleton Parish Council believe.
The proposals have been put forward by Morris Homes and involve the former Warrington RUFC field off Bridge Lane, Appleton.
The ground has not been used since a disastrous fire destroyed the clubhouse some years ago, forcing the club to relocated to Walton Lea and later merge with Warrington Sports Club.
The land is owned by Warrington Borough Council but the rugby club hold it on a 100-year lease.
New proposals involve about 55 houses, of which 20 per cent would be “affordable.”
There would be a £500,000 minimum capital receipt for the borough council and a £125,000 multi-use games area would be provided on the site, along with new footpaths and lighting.
The freehold of eight acres of land at Walton Lea would be given to the borough council for £1 to let to Warrington Sports Club and highway improvement works would be carried out.
However, Appleton councillors say there isn’t enough in the proposals for the local community and the matter has been referred back to the club for further talks.
No official planning application has yet been made.
A number of proposals have been put forward for the land over the years, including one for a medical centre and an earlier, larger housing scheme which would have also included a community centre.
But local residents have remained opposed to the plans.