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.
Living proof that no matter the level of objections, they mean nothing.
By Christof
They won’t be happy until every single scrap of grass in this town is covered, absolutely disgusting from the council to just keep allowing the green belt land to be gone. This town already can’t cope with the amount of traffic it has and it’s just going to keep getting worse. Absolutely ridiculous. No mention of any more schools or doctors for us though for the already overflowing ones we currently have, but as long as it benefits the councils pockets hey, the voice of the people who pay into this town doesn’t matter, clearly.
By Anonymous
Christof, depends whether the objections are baseless. This is a site allocated for housing. The application is proposing housing. No better place for it.
By Anonymous
I thought Cronton came under Knowsley ? not Halton ?
By Rebecca Dougherty
Considering the shortages of housing all planning for housing should be granted and objections always is from the people that have their own homes and don’t care about the people are desperate to find a place to live.
By S shahin
Accidents are sure to happen on the roads ridiculous amount of traffic expected to pour out onto the roads along with the chronic problem we have already of a morning with congestion.As said before by people schools Doctors parks all over prescribed Widnes was a small town now its a sprawling estate and facilities dont keep up with the new builds being erected.Life will be uncomfortable as we become more and more crammed in to a small area and sadly the rural feel is now virtually gone ….think you find if this goes thru people will start to move
By Susan Ireland
With the surge of housing crisis, I’m totally for this. However, this should be for people in Widnes who are in need of a home. There are that many stuck on private rentals, living with parents etc. m
By Anonymous
I object to this proposal of a housing development on green belt land..
It would be detrimental for the open spaces for walking groups health and well being being there purpose
The over prescribed schools Doctors surgery
the amount of vehicle’s flooding the already busy lanes causing pollution in the countryside…The Historic village will be consumed and damage the beautiful area we a can enjoy
By Chesters
No new schools, no new doctor’s. More traffic congestion. Just more council tax for bankrupt council.
By Christopher Stapleton
They don’t need any more houses in the area, it’s going to spoil the green belt, cause more chaos with traffic in an already connjested town, not enough schools or inferstrucher and spoil the whole area of a lovely part of our borough
By Peter Karaski
350 new homes in this locality will have it’s pros and cons but it could bring more business for Cronton’s naturist club.
By Anonymous
The entrance/exit should be made in Halton via Queensbury Way, not into Chapel Lane
By Elaine Jines