Planners give go-ahead for 370 homes on open land

DETAILED planning consent has been given for 370 houses on a 20 hectare site at Appleton – despite opposition from Appleton Parish Council and local borough councillor Sharon Harris.
The site is bounded by Green Lane and Dipping Brook Avenue and currently comprises open fields with ponds, hedgerows and trees.
But outline permission for the houses was granted in 2017 and the land was originally acquired by the Commission for New Towns with consent under the New Town Act 1981.
It is abutted by Green Belt on three sides.
Cllr Harris objected to the scheme because of the inadequacy of the Cat and Lion Junction, car parking provision and pavement and driveway dimension.
Appleton Parish Council opposed the proposals on the grounds of lack of clarification on the proposed “garden suburb” link – proposed in the draft Warrington Local Plan – which appears to run through the residential area.
Eleven nearby residents also objected on various grounds, including lack of infrastructure, traffic concerns, impact on wildlife and pollution and air quality issues.
But officers said the principle of development is acceptable, the design of the houses appropriate and the development would provide a high standard of accommodation for future occupiers.
They claim there will be no unacceptable impact on the local highway network.
The development will consist of two, three and four bedroomed properties and will include 111 affordable homes.
Part of the site will be used for children’s play areas.
A neighbourhood centre, including retail store, health centre and place of worship is included in outline plans for Appleton Cross and will be the subject of a further detailed planning application later.