Troubled housing project back before planners

A MAJOR housing development at Warrington, dogged by problems for more than two years, is to come back before planning bosses again – even though it has been approved twice.
Developers Halebank Developments (Warrington) Ltd have had a second re-re-think over their plan for 104 houses on land off Marsden Avenue, Latchford.
Originally the scheme was approved on the basis of 104 properties with 70 per cent affordable rented houses and 30 per cent for sale at market prices.
Then in June last year, amended proposals were approved on the basis of 100 per cent affordable homes – half for rent and half for intermediate or shared ownership.
Now the applicant is coming back to the council with a further amendment under which 30 per cent of the houses will be affordable rented properties and 70 per cent will be for sale on the open market.
Planning officers are recommending the revised scheme again be approved because the proportion of affordable homes is still acceptable.
Earlier on in its history, the scheme was held up because of fears of contaminated land
The site was formerly used for the disposal of slurried waste from local tanneries and local residents expressed concern about possible contamination.
Local councillor Steve Wright (pictured) also expressed concern about possible contamination.
Tipping of waste on the site ended around 1980 when it was capped with a thin covering of soil and allowed to re-vegetate.
Ground gas was known to be generated on the site, however.
However, after 18 months of talks with consultants robust remedial measures were agreed to protect property from the gases.
But part of the site – the south west corner – was declared “undevelopable” due to human health risks from ground gases.
The plan will be considered again by the development management committee on Thursday – when officers will recommend it be approved.