Full steam ahead for Weaver Shipyard
A joint venture between Bloc and Canal & River Trust can develop a marina and 83 homes at the Northwich site following the reserved matters decision.
Detailed plans were put forward for the scheme off Saxons Lane a year ago, after outline permission was granted in 2022.
On 15 January, Cheshire West & Chester Council issued a decision notice for the project.
The applicant is H20 Urban – a JV between Bloc and C&RT – and the landowner. Planning and design practice MPSL led the process, with other professionals including Urban Green and Clancy.
In line with local policy, the project will include 30% affordable homes. As set out in the officer report accompanying the decision, this amounts to 25 homes made up of 12 two-bed and 13 three-bed properties in a mix of semi-detached and mews style properties in three parts of the development area, with the same design detailing and materiality as the open market homes.
Six house types are proposed at the development, which would only be seen in the context of the adjacent residential development across the Weaver Navigation, a scheme where large waterside apartments are described as dominant.
Thus, said the officer report, “in the context of the site the proposed scale of the development is acceptable”.
The Weaver Shipyard plans have been in the works for some years, with the 2022 confirmation of outline approval coming two years after plans to regenerate an area still used for boat maintenance were given a resolution to approve.
Documents relating to Weaver Shipyard can be viewed on CWAC’s planning portal, with the reference 24/03833/REM.
Having worked at this site for around seven years in the late 70’s /early 80’s when it was a working boatyard/yacht yard I always thought it would be a great location for anyone interested in waterside living. It really is a great place to be. If I can put a plea out to the house builders/developers of the site could you please find space on the site to show the history of the site from when it was Isaac Pimblott shipbuilders to the present day. I worked alongside one of the Pimblott family and the history of the site is amazing and so too were some of the ships built there and latterly some of the yachts and boats that were worked on there. Hopefully a community watersports club could be set up there for the people living on the site. What a place to live!!!
By Brendan R