WARRINGTON Borough Council has approved plans for 46 homes to be built on land in Bewsey in a £5.5m development.

Existing buildings on the 2.5 acre site of Hawthorne Business Park, on Hawthorne Street, will be demolished in order to make way for a mixture of two and three-bedroom semi-detached and terraced houses.

The £5.5m scheme will be constructed by Lymm-based developer Mulbury in partnership with Plus Dane Housing.

In 2015, Mulbury completed the 78-home Folly Lane development adjacent to the site, which is north of Folly Farm Close and south of Calgarth Avenue.

Greg Mulligan, director at Mulbury, said: “Demand is high for quality affordable family homes in Warrington, so this scheme will help plug that gap while contributing to the positive regeneration going on in the area.”

The development is intended for young families and first-time buyers.

Alan Green, director at Plus Dane Housing, added: “We believe in providing a mix of affordable homes that meet the specific local needs and aspirations of our current and future tenants and customers.

“The Hawthorne Street scheme is part of Plus Dane’s ambitious development plans for growth over the next three years, and we are delighted to be able to work with Mulbury to deliver this new build development where the homes will be offered to families and first-time buyers in Warrington.”

Residents of Hawthorne Street and the Hope Hall Gospel Hall had raised concerns about the plans.

The church has expressed worries that its parking provision would be reduced by the development.

An objection submitted by church members to Warrington Borough Council said: “We are very concerned and worried about the future on parking arrangements.

“In view of this we have no option but to voice strong opposition to the loss of our parking facilities.

“We are asking you for sympathy and understanding in our difficulties on behalf of the people of the church.”