MAJOR plans for the re-development of a key part of Warrington town centre, including up to 900 apartments – some 12 storeys high – will come under scrutiny this week.
Outline proposals for the development on land bounded by Scotland Road, Buttermarket Street and Crown Street will come before a special meeting of Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee on Thursday.
The scheme would involve the demolition of much of the Cockhedge shopping centre and include the site of what has been described as Warrington’s ugliest building, New Town House.
Two objections have been received – but officers are recommending approval, subject to a number of conditions – one of which is that the development should include 10 per cent affordable housing.
Officers say the scheme should be approved because
*It would make efficient use of a previously developed site within the town centre for a mixture of uses which are appropriate in the town centre.
*The proposed development would make a contribution to the supply of dwellings within the borough.
* The scale of the development in the town centre will increase population in a highly sustainable location allowing for the creation of sustainable communities and generating economic benefits to town centre businesses
*The proposal would provide for open space and improved public realm provision in the town centre, being a catalyst to improved pedestrian connectivity across Scotland Road from the Town Centre area.
*The proposal will result in a comprehensive redevelopment of a key town centre site, subject to strict high-quality design criteria
* The illustrative information submitted with the application indicates that the quantum of development proposed could be accommodated on the site without unacceptable impacts on the amenity of the area, heritage assets or residential amenity.
* There would be no unacceptable impacts in relation to highway safety, ecology, flood risk or drainage.
The application site is circa 2.7 hectares. It is currently occupied by an Asda superstore and other retail units within the Cockhedge shopping centre, some of which are vacant, a bingo hall, a surface car park accessed from Scotland Road and New Town House.
The scheme will mean the demolition of 18 retail and cafe units and a bingo building but the Asda store would remain operational – with changes to its car parking arrangements.
In addition to up to 900 apartments, there would be a hotel, offices, shops, leisure provision and public open space. The area occupied by New Town House would be left open.
Objectors say:
* Demolition has a significant impact on the environment and as many of the current structures as possible should be retained
* The development may not primarily cater for the needs of lower-income or key workers
*Warrington and the UK do not need small apartments, it needs houses. Apartments are noisy and neighbours are disrespectful.
*No building work should take place on Sunday mornings
* The works will cause noise disturbance to those living adjacent
* The proposal will block light into the adjacent Prince of Wales Apartments on Scotland Road
* Access to adjacent sites should be maintained at all times
* Impact on adjacent listed buildings
* The town centre needs more green space
Cockhedge car park as it is today
1 Comment
Sounds horrible. More and more apartments suited for singletons and not families.