FEARS over the ‘bombshell’ of up to 1,000 new homes being built on the Omega site have been calmed.

The Omega site is situated on both sides of the M62 on part of the former Burtonwood airbase.

Planning permission already exists for 1,100 homes on Omega South.

But during last week’s supporting the local economy policy committee meeting, Cllr Tony Williams (LAB – Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall) raised serious concerns over the possibility of a further 1,000 new homes on the land, in addition to the 1,100 already planned.

He said: “We had a meeting with the Omega group in the week before last, where the bombshell was dropped about more housing on Omega.

“We don’t know how many houses are being proposed for the rest of Omega, which is entirely additional to what we have been told.

“Local councillors are a bit up in arms that this has been discussed without us knowing about it.

“There could be up to 1,000 houses I have been told, which I think is an absolutely ridiculous situation for us, as local people, to deal with.”

Colin Graham, development director at Omega Warrington, has confirmed that plans for the remaining parcels of land have been reconsidered due to a lack of demand for new offices that featured in the original masterplan, as well as potential noise issues.

As a result, Omega Warrington is looking to deliver a scheme that will reduce the amount of commercial space.

However, Mr Graham insists any proposals for new housing would total between 100 to 200 extra homes – not 1,000.

He added: “This is the first stage of a long process.

“Once the masterplan is finalised, the next step will be a public consultation, culminating in a formal planning application.”

The 1,100 properties are being built by Miller Homes and Redrow Homes.

Mr Graham confirmed 450 properties have been sold to date, while 100 have been built.

It is anticipated that the 1,100 homes will be constructed within a decade.

The Omega site is home to a number of major firms.