PLANNING bosses have put
off a decision on controversial proposals to demolish YMCA buildings at
Birchwood, Warrington – pending the result of an application to
preserve adjoining land as a “village green.”
The plan to demolish Hamnett Court to make way for a 40-bed care home
for the elderly mentally ill and more than 70 “affordable” homes has
been put on ice.
Birchwood Town Council opposed the scheme because of the loss of open
space – and have submitted an application for it to be granted village
green status.
This would not prevent the scheme from going ahead but would result in a lesser number of affordable homes being built.
Planning officers had recommended that applicants Barratt Homes be granted permission to go ahead.
The scheme is linked to an ambitious plan to build a YMCA Enterprise
Centre in Warrington – a scheme which would bring considerable benefits
to the local community.
Proceeds from the sale of the Birchwood site would provide funding for the town centre scheme.
Hamnett Court currently consists of 90 YMCA apartments in a three-storey block.
It was built in the 1970s as part of the Warrington New Town
development and is named after a former chairman of the New Town
Development Corporation.
Birchwood Town Court support social housing – but not at the cost of losing open urban greenspace.
They say the development would leave inadequate play space in the area
and question whether existing schools could cope with an increased
population.
They also question whether the proposed YMCA centre in Warrington would
benefit Birchwood.
A number of local residents also opposed the plan.
The decision to await the outcome of the application for village green
status could put the scheme back many months – or even years.
