WARRINGTON Borough Council has approved plans to turn a former airfield site in Appleton into underground garage with space for 118 vehicles.

The development proposals at the former Stretton Airfield base also include a two-storey office building and extensive landscaping of the field to enhance its status.

Appleton Thorn residents feared Hensmill Property's plans over concerns surrounding noise pollution, traffic and a fall in property prices but permission has only been granted subject to strict conditions which do not allow racing, speed trials or fuel storage.

The proposed site, had also been met with strong disapproval from Appleton Parish Council, Antrobus Parish Council and High Legh Parish Council.

But Cllr Peter Walker (LD - Appleton), who sits on Appleton Parish Council, believes the new measures in place signify a pleasing outcome.

"We see it as a good result - as soon it was confirmed that there would be no racing it was great," he said.

As part of the site borders between Warrington and Cheshire East Council (CEC), permission will also need to be granted from CEC before development work can be set into motion.

Appleton Thorn based group Campaign Against Ruining Our Environment (CARE) spokesman, Kevin McAloon, said: "If Cheshire East also grants approval, CARE considers this a welcome win for Appleton Thorn.

"The site will be improved and the garage will have a minimum impact on our village through alleviating our fears on noise and increased traffic.

"I think the general feeling of the villages is that this is a positive move as it upgrades previously derelict land."

If built, the garage will be a private facility, strictly for personal use, a condition which has calmed fears over an increase in traffic.

Planning consultants HOW, which is involved in Hensmill's plans, is confident that the decision at last Thursday's council meeting will be followed at the next stage when it comes before CEC.

"We are pleased with the outcome of last weeks planning committee at Warrington and look forward to the development progressing in due course," said a HOW spokesman.

The site again came under intense scrutiny last month over contamination issues but the latest decision has proved to me a major step forward for Hensmill.