A PLANNING application proposing nearly 200 homes for vacant land in Culcheth has been received by the council.

The proposals detail a housing development on land opposite both Culcheth Community Primary and Culcheth High Schools.

According to the documents, the plans are to assess the viability of the development of 186 homes on the land.

Warrington Guardian: How the proposed development could look if approvedHow the proposed development could look if approved (Image: Story Homes Ltd)

The summary explains that the application is for "Full planning permission for residential development and the provision of associated access and infrastructure works including roads, drainage infrastructure, car parking, public open space including play facilities, landscaping and substation."

A development is being proposed for land opposite Culcheth's main primary and secondary schools, and adjacent to fields used by Culcheth Eagles.

The land is off Warrington Road and Holcroft Lane, and spans approximately 8.4 hectares.

According to the design and access statement on the council's online planning portal, the developers say: "Our vision for the development at Warrington Road is to create an outstanding place to live.

"The development seeks to create a new place to live, study and play, taking inspiration from the surroundings as well as recognising new approaches to urban design and master planning.

"The site has the potential to form an attractive and desirable new neighbourhood which is a valuable addition to Culcheth."

Warrington Guardian: An artist's impression of how the houses could lookAn artist's impression of how the houses could look (Image: Story Homes Ltd)

The developers say this will be achieved through:

  • A highly connected network of attractive streets, pedestrian routes and recreational spaces;
  • Verdant street trees and extensive landscaping; 
  • New formal amenity spaces and a play area;
  • Open green spaces;
  • Capitalisation on the site setting;  
  • Houses of all sizes to meet a range of needs; 
  • A design that signals a new ambition for the area and green spaces that will uplift the spirit

30 per cent of the proposed homes would be 'affordable' housing - equating to roughly 56 houses.

The proposals also state that a new children's play area would be constructed in the community if the council grants permission for the plans.

Public consultation on this planning application ends on November 20, with a decision due to be made by January 24, 2024.