Fiddlers Ferry development framework lined up for approval

Peel NRE’s vision for the future of the 800-acre former power station site will go before Warrington Council’s cabinet next week.

The Fiddlers Ferry Development Framework includes a spatial masterplan, a rough idea of delivery phases, and guiding principles for the substantial project.

In accordance with the area’s local plan, site owner Peel NRE is looking to facilitate the delivery of a primary school, local centre, 250 acres of employment land, 368 acres of public open space, and 860 homes.

The approval of the draft framework follows a three-month public consultation at the start of this year.

The approximately 300 survey responses led to a few changes to the draft, including the provision for a future connection to Johnsons Lane public right of way and the Trans Pennine Trail, more pedestrian and cycle improvements, a design code, and a financial contribution towards improving water levels in the area.

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The document going before the council has been developed alongside feedback of Halton Council and Warrington Council. Turley, Open, Arcadis, Deetu, and Curtins were integral to its formation.

According to the framework, the residential development of the site will start next year, with the first phases focused on the northern end of the site. The delivery of 150 homes is planned from July 2026 to 2030, while another 235 homes would be built between July 2026 and June 2031.

These initial phases would comprise a minimum of 30% affordable homes and feature a mix of tenures and house types. There would be self-build plots and extra care housing as well.

As part of these phases, Peel NRE would design the nature reserve, replace a former playing field, and reserve one acre for a local centre.

Later phases would consist of 400 homes, completing the local centre, allotments, central parkland, and internal highway network.

One unique aspect of the Fiddlers Ferry plan is the power situation. According to the framework, all development within the 800 acres will be required to connect to a decentralised energy network. This largely means a network that generates energy through micro-renewables, geothermal, district heating, or anaerobic digestion.

The exception to this will be if a development can prove such a connection is not viable. If that’s the case, it has to enable future connectivity to one of these networks and ensure at least 10% of its energy needs are addressed by renewable or low carbon energy sources.

You can read the full development framework in Warrington Council’s cabinet report. The framework itself begins on page 212.