Controversial homes plans set for refusal (From Warrington Guardian)

Controversial homes plans set for refusal

PLANNING officers have recommended that councillors refuse a controversial scheme to build houses on the Smokehall Lane Industrial Estate in Winsford.

Developers Wallace and Thomas Investments want permission to build 39 new homes at the old Durablast site, after withdrawing a similar application last year.

The Guardian reported last July how the first planning application caused a dispute between two local firms, Smee Timber and Durablast.

Entrepreneur Michael Smee said that he wanted to buy the land and expand his business but Durablast boss Terry Wallace countered that he had not refused any approaches from industry to buy the land.

However, a report ahead of Vale Royal Borough Council's planning committee meeting next week says the new planning application should not be approved.

The report states: "There are clearly significant concerns with these proposals.

"There are question marks over the marketing site and issues of noise, loss of trees, design and landscaping, lack of children's play space and contaminated land.

"In addition the site is not considered to be in a sustainable location and given the over-supply of land in the borough, the application cannot be supported."

Officers also voiced fears about the contamination causing health risks to future residents on the Durablast site, previously a base for a grit blasting and painting business.

And they suggest that by not providing any affordable housing, the plans clash with Local Plan regulations.

However, the final say lies with councillors, who will vote on the plans at Wyvern House next Tuesday, February 24.

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk