Marshall CDP secures consent for Daresbury homes and offices  

The developer plans to start construction of 350 homes and 322,000 sq ft of offices next year after Halton Council granted planning approval for the expansion of the business park, located off Junction 11 of the M56.

Originally, the 64-acre site to the west of Daresbury Businesss Park was earmarked solely for employment uses. However, a report by consultancy Knight Frank supported the inclusion of a residential element as part of the expansion, due to dwindling appetite for out-of-town office developments. 

“While there is still some demand for out-of-town office space…this is being taken by more attractive sites like Birchwood,” a planning statement by consultancy Avison Young added. 

Knight Frank’s report said that only 9% of all local office take-up in the last seven years had been at Daresbury, whereas Birchwood has a 41% market share.

The residential element of the expansion will occupy a parcel of land north of Red Brow Lane, while the offices will be constructed on the parcel of land to the south. A quarter of the homes will be designated as affordable.

In addition, the scheme includes 21,500 sq ft of retail and leisure space, including cafes and restaurants. 

Jamie Lynch, senior environmental planner at Avison Young’s Manchester office, said: “This is a significant project that will increase the number of homes and jobs in Daresbury and Halton, ensuring the continued growth of Daresbury Park.  

“The site is well located in a sustainable location with a range of jobs and community facilities within the wider area and comprising part of the proposals. The design team worked with key stakeholders throughout the design process to provide the long-term social, economic and environmental benefits of the scheme.”  

The professional team for the project includes design practice Optimised Environments, engineers Curtins and BWB Consulting, ecological consultancy Brooks Ecological, and environmental consultancy e3p.