ENVIRONMENTAL assessments have confirmed contamination found on the site of the planned £19.3 million Centre Park link scheme ‘can be adequately managed’.

In April, plans for a bridge across the Mersey edged closer after proposals to demolish DriveTime golf range and Spectra Park industrial estate, off Slutchers Lane, were given the green light.

It paves the way for key phases of the ambitious project, which includes the construction of a crossing over the Mersey to connect Chester Road to the town centre via Slutchers Lane.

On Thursday, an environmental assessment application submitted by Warrington Borough Council was passed.

It covered land off Chester Road, Slutchers Lane and Wilson Pattern Street.

Planning chiefs confirmed an environmental impact assessment was required for the project ‘on the basis that it had the potential for significant environmental effects’.

Engineering consultancy group Ramboll said a number of ‘potential impacts’ have been identified and assessed in relation to geology, soils and contaminated land.

It added: “However, with the implementation of the incorporated mitigation measures and additional mitigation measures, it is considered that there will be no residual environmental impacts of significance as a result of the proposed development.

“There will be no long-term significant impact on the groundwater beneath the site from the development and it is considered that the risks associated with the contamination found on site can be adequately managed.”

Air quality and flood risk assessments have also been carried out.

Engineering firm AECOM was commissioned to provide specialist highways and transportation advice.

In a planning statement it said the proposed scheme ‘will not by itself generate any additional vehicular trips on the highway network’.

It added: “Instead, it will provide vital additional infrastructure to support existing and forecast future growth in Warrington and provide additional route choice for vehicle movements through the town centre.”