A MAJOR housing plan on a three and-a-half acre site overlooked by five of Warrington’s most historic buildings is to be considered by borough planning chiefs for the second time in three months.
On the first occasion, in December, there was a storm of protest over the proposals for 107 houses on the site of the former Thomas Locker factory at the junction of Church Street and Farrell Street.
There was opposition from the Howley Residents’ Association and individual nearby residents. Planning officers recommended the scheme be refused – and it was withdrawn at the 11th hour.
But so far, when it comes before the borough’s development management committee this week, there will be no opposition. Officers are now recommending it be approved.
A number of amendments have been made to the proposals – including reducing the number of homes to 106, changing access arrangements, removing six trees from the Church Street frontage, revisions to the materials to be used and amendments to architectural details and landscaping.
The homes will include an apartment block of up to four storeys high and two and three bedroomed houses to be let
Adjacent to the Church Street Conservation Area, the site is close to a number of historic buildings, including St Elphin’s Parish Church (pictured), Cromwell House, the Marquis of Granby pub, the National School and the General Wolfe pub.
Councillors will be told the site lies within Warrington’s Area of Archaeological Potential, although previous investigations along Church Street have not revealed evidence for well-preserved archaeological remains.
It is recommend a “watching brief” be kept during significant excavations in order to identify and record any archaeological deposits present.
English Heritage have been consulted and have noted that the significance of the Church Street Conservation Area is that it lies at the very origin of the settlement of Warrington.
They say the area has suffered from poor development and demolition in recent decades which has left it in parts incoherent and has eroded the understanding of its development and significance.
A report to be considered by the committee indicates that the development requires financial contributions from the developer totalling at least £561,335 towards provision of health and education services and public open space but that the scheme would become unviable if there was a request for such payments or the provision of affordable housing.
Picture: Warrington’s historic parish church overlooks the site
