Landmark set to house plush flats (From Warrington Guardian)

Landmark set to house plush flats

NEW life will be breathed into a local landmark if plans to turn it into flats are approved.

The derelict Cheshire Lines warehouse on Winwick Street greets commuters as they pull into Central Station - but it has been empty for decades.

It was built in the 1870s as a services and goods distribution centre for the rail system and is one of the key regeneration sites in the town.

David McLean Homes wants to convert it into 64 flats and erect four new buildings on the vacant land next to it, bringing the total number of homes to 221.

This is an increase of 23 from the outline planning permission granted in July 2003 for 198 flats and offices.

This latest application has dropped the office proposal.

Although a grade two listed building, the warehouse has had a chequered history, with no one seemingly able to decide how to develop it.

In 1981, a planning application for light industrial units and warehousing with associated parking was refused and in 1986, approval for a wine bar, disco and offices was given but never acted upon.

Six years ago the site was designated a conservation area and the application stresses that planned development will help achieve environmental aims.

A council report stated: "Although one block is seven stories, rather than five, it reflects some of the features of the warehouse. It is considered that this block will form a new feature in this part of Warrington, while regenerating a major site in close proximity to the town centre and bringing the warehouse back to life."

Comments should be sent to the development control department at the Town Hall by February 16, quoting reference number 2004/04708.