Miller’s 120-home playing fields plan blocked
Halton Council has refuted the housebuilder’s claim that 12 acres of Prescot Road Playing Fields have not been in full use for a decade, throwing out its application.
Miller Homes planned to build 120 homes off Prescot Road in Widnes, with 25% set to be affordable.
However, councillors cited the loss of playing pitches as the principal reason for the application’s refusal, adding that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that replacement sports pitches “of equivalent quantity and quality” would be provided.
NJL Consulting assisted with the outline planning application to Halton Council, which included designating a part of the site to be handed over to resident Pex Hill Football Club for sports pitch provision.
A 5v5 football pitch and remarking of additional pitches to allow potential for a 7v7 pitch and a 5v5 pitch were proposed by Miller Homes.
A children’s play area, green buffer, and a landscaped ‘green link’ pedestrian route through the site were also included in the plans.
Access was proposed via an extension to Prescot Road roundabout.
There has been strong local opposition to the plans with 103 representations on the application.
Miller Homes first lodged plans with the local authority in January 2024.
The project team for the application included Hope Architects, Eddisons, Ascerta, RSK, Orion Heritage, Wardell Armstrong, and E3P.
To view the application, use the planning reference number 24/00021/OUT on Halton Council’s planning portal.
Finally a bit of sense. Excellent news.
By John Smith