A PLAN for three-storey retirement flats on former farm land which was thrown out by councillors at Warrington in September is back before planning chiefs tomorrow (Thursday).
Originally, the scheme involved 50 apartments on the site of the former Orford Farm in School Road, Orford and was opposed by 18 nearby residents.
Now the number of apartments has been reduced to 45 and only four neighbours are objecting.
The original scheme was recommended for approval by officers – as is the new one.
Objections relate to the impact of the three storey building on an already heavily-developed area, increased traffic, noise and light pollution..
The objectors argue the area should be developed for family housing .
The scheme includes both two and one bedroomed apartments and also car parking areas.
Warrington Borough Council officers say the application is for a residential development in a residential area on a site that is currently vacant.
They believe there would be no unacceptable impacts on the amenity of the area, highway safety, drainage, ecology or residential amenity. The development would make an important contribution to increasing the council’s supply of housing land for a type of residential development for which there is evidence of a need in the borough.
The development would have no impact on a pair of gate piers which are Grade 2 Listed and are all that remains of the 18th century Orford House which was demolished in the 1970s.
Although some trees would, unfortunately, be lost they would be replaced.
The site formerly housed a sex fetish club with specialist rooms including a dungeon, a pigsty, a head teacher’s study, a medical room and a school room.
Buildings on the land were demolished after a fire devastated the site in March 2012, causing more than £500,000 worth of damage. Two teenagers were later jailed for arson
Members of the borough council’s development management committee will again be asked to make a decision tomorrow.
