CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 26 houses on land off Doeford Close, Culcheth are to go before planning chiefs at Warrington for a second time.
The borough council’s development management committee deferred a decision on the first occasions to give time for councillors to visit the site.
There is massive opposition to the scheme from nearby residents, with almost 180 people lodging objections and an objection also coming from Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council.
The site forms part of the former Newchurch Hospital site, which was redeveloped by Redrow Homes in the 1990s to provide more than 200 dwellings.
It was omitted from the original development because it was within a safeguarding zone for an explosives depot operated by Orica UK Ltd at Glazebury.
However, Redrow say they are now collaborating with Orica and no development will take place in advance of changes to the exclusion zone.
Objectors argue that greenfield sites should not be developed ahead of brownfield land.
They say the impact of traffic flow in Culcheth village would be “catastrophic.”
In addition, there are fears of parking problems, a loss of visual amenity, a lack of capacity in the local sewer system and risks of flooding from Jibcroft Brook.
But planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved, subject to an agreement that eight of the properties being “affordable” homes.
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 26 houses on former hospital land in a Warrington village are set to go before planning chiefs for a second
time.
Massive opposition to homes plan
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
4 Comments
“Massive Opposition” – so what’s new! It goes without saying that Planning Officers will recommend approval and that local opposition will be run roughshod over. This is the norm for Warrington. Have none of our councillors on the Planning Committee got any backbone to support these residents?
quote; “It was omitted from the original development because it was within a safeguarding zone for an explosives depot operated by Orica UK Ltd at Glazebury.
However, Redrow say they are now collaborating with Orica and no development will take place in advance of changes to the exclusion zone.” ……….and the changes to the exclusion zone will no doubt be linked to the changes in Govt legislation re what is to be classed as ‘contaminated’ land. Health and safety issues seem to be being thrown to the wind where developers interests are concerned.
Quote “….planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved…” I agree with warringtonian “so what’s new!”
This development is to fill a gap that was left free in the original development because of the doubts about the Orica site. The protesters are largely from people who live in the houses that were allowed first time round. It is a perfect example of ” we have our houses but you can’t have yours”
Is a former hospital ground really a “greenfield site” ?