ONE of Warrington’s biggest housing development of the year is progressing in Latchford.

A disused timber yard is being turned into 189 apartments.

The apartments will be available for private rent on the former AJ Beer and Co timber yard site, on Station Road, when completed.

The 1.75-hectare site is bordered by the Manchester Ship Canal and sits adjacent to the Cantilever Bridge.

It first became a timber yard in 1965 but has been vacant since 2006.

Three five-storey apartment blocks are being built – with the proposals comprising 39 one-bed properties, 138 two-bed properties and 12 three-bed properties.

The associated works include cycle storage, bin storage, a substation and car parking for 232 cars on site.

The plans have though created concerns among residents in the area with regards to traffic.

Warrington Guardian:

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, regular delays were regularly reported on Loushers Lane, Station Road, Grammar School Road and Latchford village.

The application, which was approved in 2018 by the council, was submitted with a transport assessment, which had been assessed by a highways officer.

In the peak periods, it is considered that the plans will generate 77 two-way movements between 8am and 9am and 95 movements between 5pm and 6pm.