CWAC approves £12.4m estate revamp

Plans for the overhaul of Sutton Way in Ellesmere Port have been given the go-ahead by Cheshire West & Chester’s planning committee.

The project was put forward in 2018 by CWAC and its housing partner ForHousing, and work will now start this summer on a three-year programme. Phase one will include work to seven blocks, with phase two covering the redesign and reconfiguration of the estate’s remaining three blocks.

This includes remodelling of current buildings, and some sections being removed and replaced by 16 two-bedroom houses.

Improvements on each of the blocks will include work on external elevations, new doors and windows, landscaping, boundary treatments, secure car parking, CCTV, door entry systems, lighting, improved bin stores and redecoration of communal areas. There is also a programme of social improvements to tackle isolation and encourage community involvement.

Henry Terefenko, chief executive of ForHousing, said: “This is a significant milestone in the regeneration of Sutton Way that will spearhead the area’s transformation and ensure that homes and public spaces meet the needs and aspirations of tenants, who have been closely involved in the development of the plans.”

Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth at CWAC, said: “New investment in Sutton Way has long been the ambition of the local community.

“The project has been planned in consultation with residents and I hope they are pleased with the final outcome. The community set additional challenges for the project, particularly around improving community cohesion and I am glad that work has begun on this.”

Community interest company We Make Places was appointed to engage with residents and discuss options and design features.