Omega resi moves to next stage

22 April 2015 10:34 Jessica Middleton-Pugh Comments (0)

Miller Developments is due to submit a planning application for 1,100 homes at Omega Warrington by the autumn, with a consultation on the plans expected to take place in the coming weeks.

Omega South's zone 6, near to existing residential areas off Whittle Avenue and Lingley Green Avenue, has been earmarked for a large housing development for some time. The scheme would deliver a range of homes for families, couples, single people, and the elderly with special care requirements. Around 30% of these will be affordable housing.

The site was at the centre of a High Court challenge in February, in which a judge ruled that Warrington's local plan housing target was invalid. The challenge was brought by Satnam Investments, which criticised the council's decision to designate Omega a strategic housing development site in the local plan instead of Satnam's Peel Hall Farm plot in Houghton Green.

Mr Justice Stewart said that the council and the planning inspector who approved the plan had not carried out a full and objective assessment of housing figures, alongside "substantial non-compliance" with strategic environment assessment requirements.

The plan's current housing target is 10,500 new homes, equivalent to 500 each year, between 2006 and 2027.

Omega Warrington is a joint venture between Miller Developments and KUC Properties. The JV works in partnership with landowner the Homes & Communities Agency and is supported by Warrington Council and the Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

Speaking to Place North West, Andrew Farrall, executive director of economic growth, regeneration and environment at Warrington Council, said: "Following the High Court ruling there are no longer any specifically identified priority sites, so all sites are on a level. It is up to the planning system to determine which schemes are best to be brought forward.

"The local plan still applies, but we need a new housing figure. This will be achieved through an objective land assessment and an objective housing assessment. We are currently commissioning that research, which should be completed by the summer. Overall the process should take 18 months. This won't affect Warrington's housing development pipeline at all."