COUNCILLORS have given their approval to build a large new housing estate on green fields on the outskirts of a village. This is despite the scheme receiving almost as many objections as dwellings that are set to be built.
Warrington Borough Council’s planning development committee met at the Town Hall to decide on the plans for land off Golborne Road in Winwick.
Applicant Bellway Homes sought planning permission to build a residential development of 154 dwellings, as well as associated areas of open space, access, car parking, landscaping, and ancillary works.
Originally, the plans were to build 163 homes, but plans have since been amended and downgraded by nine.
A report published in advance of the meeting recommended that the plans be delegated to the development manager to conditionally grant planning permission.
This is subject to a section 106 legal obligation, and in the event that such an agreement remains unsigned within six months, and if no meaningful progress is made, authority is given to refuse permission.
Councillors on the council’s committee agreed with the recommendation and subsequently granted planning permission.
In total, 149 representations were received in relation to the proposals, which were submitted in February, all in objection except for one.
Residents also spoke during the meeting in opposition to the scheme.
Campaign group Warrington Action Against Inappropriate Development has opposed the plans, which it described as ‘not viable due to excessive traffic’.
The group claims: The area is gridlocked most mornings, and with the poor infrastructure around the town, our members are concerned.
Members also object to the plans on the grounds that: The unattractive housing designs are not in character with the beautiful village and surrounding area.
One villager said: We live in a small village with no healthcare facilities, one oversubscribed school, and overcapacity roads.
Other villagers shared similar concerns, arguing: Winwick village has no essential services such as GPs, dentists, and a Post Office, and its school is not in a position to offer places to all the children wishing to attend.
This lack of amenities is surely not conducive to the development of even more houses in the area.
Further objections were raised, as one resident commented: This is yet another attack on our green space and seriously damaging to the well-being of Winwick’s residents.
Surely the health, safety, and well-being of existing Winwick residents and the protection of green space and wildlife must be given priority over new development.
Bellway Homes says the scheme will result in a ‘positive contribution to local housing needs’.
It added that the development will create a ‘well-informed, safe, and attractive neighborhood, which promotes the well-being of its residents and visitors’.
The proposed homes are a mix of detached, semi-detached, and mews-style. The current site area consists of grassland with a pylon line running through the center of the site.
The recommendation report read: An appropriate scheme of compensatory improvements to environmental quality and the accessibility of land remaining in the green belt has been submitted with the application.
There is no unacceptable impact on the local highway network, and acceptable parking and access arrangements are proposed.
The layout delivers good levels of residential amenity for future occupiers and does not have an impact on the residential amenity of adjoining residential properties.
The proposal results in less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, and public benefits in the delivery of new homes outweigh the level of harm identified.
The proposal provides mitigation for the development in the form of a financial contribution for education, health, Holcroft Moss, playing pitches, and built sports.
