Extra homes planned on estate

PLANNING chiefs are being urged to approve changes to a major housing development at Warrington that would result in an additional 13 homes being built.
House builders Morris Homes want to build the extra two-storey properties on their ongoing development on the site of the former New World gas cooker factory off Thelwall Lane, Latchford.
Plans approved in 2009 involved 424 houses, but a scheme approved two years earlier involved 485 houses so the changes would not result in more dwelling than originally approved on the site.
Some 30.5 per cent of properties on the development are classed as “affordable” – significantly more than the 20 per cent originally approved.
The new houses would be partially sited on land previously reserved for public open space and the amount of open space left would be below the minimum levels set out in Warrington’s unitary development plan.
But the applicants have pledged to improve the quality of the open space through enhanced landscaping, improved footpath links, enhanced natural habitats around ponds and additional viewing platforms and jetties.
The site is adjacent to existing open areas such as Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve, Paddington Meadows, the Twiggeries and the Trans Penning green corridor.
Six different house types would be used, of traditional appearance and adding variety to the street scene.
The proposals will be put to Warrington’s development management committee tonight (Thursday).