Affordable homes plan gets green light

PLANNING bosses at Warrington have given the go-ahead for a controversial development of “affordable homes” on greenfield land.
But the borough council’s development control committee was split on the proposal by Warrington Housing Association for 51 dwellings on land bounded by Montclare Crescent, Brian Avenue and Chester Road, Stockton Heath.
Two councillors abstained and the scheme was approved by six votes to four.
About 100 members of the public attended the meeting, held at the Pyramid Arts Centre to accommodate the numbers wanted to attend.
The scheme would involve the borough council selling the three acre site, valued at £1.6 million, for a nominal £1.
An action group was set up to oppose the scheme and Stockton Heath Parish Council also lodged objections.
Objectors argued that the development would create an unacceptable burden of traffic on local roads if it went ahead, leading to increased congestion.
They also claimed the scheme would result in the loss of precious open space, used as a play area by local children for many years.
But the development may yet not go ahead.
The committee was told local residents were to make an application in the New Year for the land to be designated a village green.
This would hold up development for up to two years – and if the land was subsequently designated as a village green the homes plan would have to be dropped.
Planning officers recommended the scheme be approved. They accepted a potential for traffic problems but argued that the overriding need was for more affordable housing.