Warrington refuses Blackburne Arms scheme

The council refused Lane End Developments’ application for retirement housing on the site of a former pub at Orford Green, going against officers’ recommendations.

Warrington Council’s planning committee refused the application at its meeting this week on the grounds that it had insufficient parking, was located in a flood risk area, and that the development would result in the loss of a community asset.

The 6,500 sq ft Blackburne Arms pub would have been demolished to make way for the 52 affordable apartments under the proposals, against which locals sent letters of objection.

A previous application for a larger retirement scheme of 63 apartments at the site was submitted and withdrawn.

The architect was Paddock Johnson Partnership.

Homes England and Rowland Homes applications for 172 homes was approved

Two other applications for 172 houses from a joint venture between Homes England and Rowland Homes were approved in line with officers’ recommendations.

The homes will be built on two neighbouring plots to the south of Astor Drive and east of Witherin Avenue.

Homes England secured outline consent for the development in January 2018.

A reserved matters application for the site was refused last year on the grounds that it would have a negative impact on highways safety, would overbear adjacent homes, and fail to enhance character or reinforce local distinctiveness.

The scheme for the wider site has three phases. The second phase would total 30 acres and is the largest plot being brought forward. An application is to be submitted at a later date.

De Pol Associates is the planner and Atkins designed the scheme.