CONTROVERSIAL plans to relocate a family of travelling showpeople from their town centre home to two new sites across Warrington have been passed.

Councillors granted permission to develop two 'showperson's yards' with five pitches for residential use and storage on New Cut Lane, a former abattoir site in Woolston, and on Winwick Road Industrial Estate, on Athlone Road during a Town Hall meeting last night, Wednesday.

The land they currently live on, off Winwick Street, is to be developed to create Warrington's first youth zone.

The council received 59 objections to the Woolston site, with concerns raised over a lack of consultation and the site's 'inadequacy' for residential use.

Rixton and Woolston councillor Tony McCarthy, who had referred the application to the committee, said he 'could not support the application' as it was introducing residential use into an industrial area.

He specifically raised concerns from a 'humanitarian point of view' over the fumes and toxins in the immediate vicinity, caused by the surrounding industrial premises and the site's former use as an abattoir.

Two planning consultants, acting on behalf of the occupiers of the New Cut Lane industrial area, including Fleet Parts, also raised concerns over a lack of 'pre-application engagement' with the community.

Cllr Pat Wright (LAB – Rixton and Woolston) stated that there had been a 'no consultation prior to submitting the application' and residents had no clear perception of what the site would be used for.

After hearing from Mr Chadwick, whose family will occupy the Woolston site, the development management committee passed the application on the basis that they wished to take up residence on New Cut Lane and have long been associated with Warrington.

Councillors also gave the green light to the Winwick Road proposal, despite two objections.

Both are considered to be ‘suitable’ sites as they are close to national transport routes and councillors said it will not place undue pressure on infrastructure and services.

The locations will also allow the families children to continue attending their current schools.

As part of the conditions, both sites will have 2.5 metre high acoustic fencing installed to provide 'adequate protection' for residents from noise.

Each of the site's five pitches will contain a static van and an associated tourer.

The sites will also accommodate the storage and maintenance of showground equipment and vehicles.

The council withdrew proposals to move the families from their current home, on Foundry Street, to Hoyle Street in Bewsey following scores of objections from residents in August 2016.