Taylor Wimpey primed for Widnes go-ahead
Halton Council’s development management committee is expected to approve outline plans for 350 homes to the south of Cronton, a proposal that has aroused close to 700 objections.
To be discussed at committee on 1 September, the plans have been put forward by planning advisor Lichfields for two strategic housing allocations within Halton’s local plan, a key factor in guiding decisions.
Along with Lichfields, Taylor Wimpey’s team includes eScape urbanists, Vectos, Lexington, AJP, Hepworth Acoustics, enSafe, Randall Thorp, Cotswold Archaeology, Ecology Services, Urban Green, e3p, and Award Energy Consultants.
Currently undeveloped, the site extends to 35.5 acres. The site lies to the north of Widnes’ built-up area.
Divided into two parcels by Sandy Lane, it is located east of Chapel Lane, north of Old Upton Lane and west of Queensbury Way, with primary access to come from Chapel Lane with emergency accesses proposed north of the main access, and to the south via Sandy Lane.
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Plans have been in the works for some time, with initial pre-application discussions taking place in autumn 2022.
Although Cronton Parish Council has objected on the grounds of Green Belt development, officers note in their report for members’ benefit that that status has been removed, and the site is allocated for housing.
However, as former Green Belt land, some mitigation is required, and improvements to the public right of way access will be a condition of any consent.
The parish council also objects on grounds of environmental impact and access, with officers noting that the relevant statutory consultees have raised no issues in these areas.
Also registering their displeasure are individual objectors, 674 letters of protest having been tallied up, compared to 13 in support.
In terms of affordable housing, within Halton’s local plan, Taylor Wimpety’s proposal is for 20%, reaching Halton’s expectation for strategic housing locations. The make-up of this is to be determined at legal agreement stage.
Approval is recommended, on condition of a Section 106 agreement covering highways contributions, open space, affordable housing, habitat loss compensation and Green Belt loss compensation.
The project’s papers can be viewed on Halton Council’s planning portal, reference 23/00244/OUT.
