Go-ahead for 220 new homes

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have cleared the way for a major development of 220 homes on the site of the former Bruche Police Training Centre, off Greenway.
Housebuilders Morris Homes, who already had outline planning consent to re-develop the site, have been given final approval by the borough council’s development management committee.
The development will consist of eight five-bedroom detached houses, 127 four bedroom houses, 19 three-bedroom detached houses, 23 three-bedroom and 43 two-bedroom mews properties.
Thirty per cent of the properties will be “affordable” – and the developer is also making a financial contribution to enable 44 off-site affordable homes.
The scheme includes areas of open space, including what is described as a large woodland, with a feature pond.
More than 20 nearby residents had opposed the scheme – mainly on highway issues.
They said local roads were already congested and that the junction with Manchester Road was dangerous.
There were also objections on the grounds of loss of outlook, privacy, daylight and wildlife habitats.
But the committee came to the conclusion that road safety measures which would be introduced as part of the scheme would resolve highway issues
The 8.7 hectare site was originally developed as a transit station for troops during World War Two. It was redeveloped as a training centre for police during the 1950s but closed in 2006.
Numerous buildings of various sizes occupy the site, including a swimming pool, disused running circuit, football field, kitchen and dining area and bar.
Picture: The police training centre when it was operational.