ALMOST £1.6 million will be spent by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to 'mitigate the impact' of building 180 homes in Stretton.

In February, planning chiefs approved outline planning permission for 180 homes on land bounded by Pewterspear Green Road and Stretton Road.

The proposals were approved subject to the HCA, the applicant, entering into a deed with the council.

A deed of agreement in accordance with section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 has now been finalised between the pair.

It includes a contribution of £10,000 towards two bus shelters on Stretton Road, £138,780 towards healthcare facilities, £140,510 towards enhancing sports facilities at Broomfields Leisure Centre, £671,706 to provide addition classroom facilities at Grappenhall Heys Primary School, £523,940 to provide additional classroom facilities at Bridgewater High School and £110,000 towards bus services in Pewterspear and 'other sustainable transport measures'.

In total, these contributions to 'mitigate the impact' of the development come to £1,594,936.

The HCA must also ensure that 40 per cent of the units are constructed, marketed and sold as 'starter homes or discount market units'.

It has agreed to pay the contributions to the council upon occupation of the 90th home – and it cannot occupy more than 90 units until contributions have been paid.

The design and access statement states that the HCA's 'vision and objective' is to 'facilitate a residential development to provide housing in line with local demand and need, as well as deliver starter homes in an area which would benefit considerably from the scheme'.

It added: "The requirement is for a high quality design to deliver a safe, welcoming and enjoyable living environment.

"The development will provide a defined urban edge to Stretton Road and seek to create activity around the existing bridlepath, creating natural surveillance and enhanced public spaces, including a play park.

"The accompanying transport statement concludes that the new access arrangements will result in no detriment to the highway network.

"The proposal constitutes a significant investment in the area and will contribute to the ongoing expansion of Warrington's housing offer.

"This can have a profound positive impact on the area in terms of employment and home ownership.

"The site will deliver starter homes, which will contribute significantly to home ownership for first-time buyers in the area."