A MAJOR plan for up to 617 homes and a “mixed use zone” at Omega South, Warrington, comes before the borough’s development management committee on Wednesday.
The outline proposal submitted by Omega Warrington has to be considered by the committee because it represents a departure from the town’s development plan which earmarks the site for employment purposes.
Councillors will be told the scheme is recommended for approval because proposals for office purposes are thought unlikely to come forward.
If the committee approves the scheme it will be subject to approval by the Secretary of State.
Warrington Borough Council Planners say the loss of employment land would not undermine future delivery of employment land and residential use is considered to be an acceptable alternative use for the site. The site extends to 24 hectares.
The wider Omega area benefits from good walking and cycling infrastructure implemented as the area has developed and the proposal offers the opportunity to provide
appropriate connections at the main access points.
The 35 acre public open space that has been created as part of the Omega development,which is known as the “Green Heart” forms the western boundary of the application site.
The mixed use area would contain shops, food and drink uses, a hotel, extra care facility and non-residential institution.
Officers say there is an existing planning approval for 317 homes so that scheme represents an increase of only 300 homes.
Three objections have been received – including one from St Helens Borough Council.
Also on the agenda is an item in respect of another application by Omega Warrington for adjoining land which is within the borough of St Helens.
This is for warehousing, offices and car parking. Officers are recommending no objections to this.
