A PROPOSAL to build 144 town centre apartments is set to be approved – despite failing to comply with planning policy as it features no affordable housing.

A decision on Lane End Developments Construction's application to demolish the former Kwik Save supermarket, on Academy Street, and build an apartment block was deferred in April.

But it will come before Town Hall planning chiefs again next Wednesday.

The development management committee is recommended to approve it subject to an agreement, which would see the developer contribute £70,000 towards 'a package of sustainable transport improvement measures'.

The application has been referred to the committee because the 'private rented sector' scheme does not comply with policy as it contains no affordable housing units.

Council officers have outlined their reasons for recommending it for approval.

In a planning statement, they said: "The applicant has submitted a viability appraisal that demonstrates that the site is unviable with any affordable housing provided on site.

"The viability appraisal has been independently assessed and is considered to be acceptable.

"The site is a brownfield site and is part of the authority's wider growth and regeneration aspirations for the borough as outlined in the approved city centre masterplan and Warrington Means Business."

During April's meeting, the committee was told that Torus, a social housing provider, would be the 'end user' of the site.

But the organisation later said 'no definitive schemes are in place', while adding any profits from any of its commercial activities are 'reinvested into social housing activities'.