PLANNING chiefs have approved proposals for a 140-home development in Latchford despite it being labelled a ‘recipe for disaster’.

Premier Loushers’ outline application for the land, off Loushers Lane, came before the development management committee at its virtual meeting on Wednesday.

Residents and Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (LAB – Latchford West) objected to the plans.

Cllr McLaughlin objected partly over vehicle access and the proximity to the nearby Colas site.

Colas, which also objected, fears the housing development would harm its business operations and impose an ‘unacceptable constraint’ on it, while confirming it does not intend to relocate as it is not a viable option.

Cllr Bob Barr (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) highlighted concerns over access to the site and described it as a ‘severely compromised’ scheme.

“What we seem to be doing is providing outline planning permission for a completely botched housing development because it has been shoe-horned around an industrial development which is no longer appropriate for that part of Warrington,” he said.

Cllr Peter Carey (LAB – Fairfield and Howley) expressed fears over residents facing problems with noise and odour from the industrial facility.

He said: “You can guess that there is going to be years of conflict between the two sides of this argument.

“I don’t accept that this thing can be contained. Colas themselves are saying it’s not going to be easy to restrict noise and odour – and to put housing so close to this, it’s a recipe for disaster for the future.”

The plans for the brownfield site – which is part of the Southern Gateway development area –comprise a new access off Loushers Lane.

The scheme was among the three applications passed by the committee that were supported by Liverpool architects practice Brock Carmichael.

Michael Cosser, partner at Brock Carmichael, said: “The practice celebrates its 45th year in business and this is a great addition to our celebrations.

“All the developments consider local authority housing demand and will create a diverse and sustainable community, responding to Warrington’s housing strategy, its local plan and the need for more, well-designed homes in urban areas.”

The scheme was approved subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement, as recommended.