Plans for 900 flats and hotel in town centre set for approval

Planning chiefs have recommended that approval be given for huge plans to demolish buildings on land in the centre of town.

In their place, it is proposed that a hotel would also be built alongside tens of thousands of square feet of business space and parking.

A final decision will be made by Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee, made up of a 12-strong panel of councillors, on Thursday.

They must decide upon proposals for land measuring 2.7hectares bounded by Scotland Road, Buttermarket Street and Crown Street.

This space is currently occupied by Asda supermarket and other retail units at Cockhedge Shopping centre, some of which are vacant, a bingo hall, a car park accessed from Scotland Road and New Town House.

The application includes the demolition of 18 retail and cafe units and the bingo building, which would be replaced by a maximum of 900 apartments, a hotel and 21,000square metres of Class E floorspace, as well as provisions for open space.

Impressions show the scale of the development in the town centre

Class E premises ‘principally serve the needs of members of the public’, with examples including retail, food and drink businesses, financial and professional services, leisure uses and medical and childcare provision.

The application is for outline permission, with approval for appearance and other factors to be determined at a later date if outline permission is granted.

The major proposals submitted by applicants Cockhedge Property Unit Trust and Warrington & Co are made up of six block buildings measuring up to nine stories high.

They have been referred to the committee due to part of site being under council ownership and the council being a joint applicant.

Committee members are recommended to approve the application subject to 10 per cent of the development being ‘affordable housing’, as well as financial contributions being made.

The council has requested more than £1.6million be made towards primary school places, as well as a figure in excess of £1.3million towards high school places and other grants to health and travel provisions.

Planning officers say key reasons for approval include the development making efficient use of a previously developed site, contributing to the supply of homes.

Impressions show the scale of the development in the town centre

They add that the development would increase population in a ‘highly sustainable location’, generating economic benefits to town centre businesses.

Two letters of objections were received against the plans, raising issues such as environmental impacts of demolition and a need for houses over apartments.

Other concerns include noise disturbance for nearby residents, the blocking of light, access to adjacent and a lack of green space in the town centre.

The planning officer report states: “The application proposes the redevelopment of the site for a mixture of uses, all of which are appropriate within the town centre location.

“The plans and illustrative information have demonstrated that a development of the scale proposed could be accommodated on the site, without any adverse impacts on the amenity of the area, the amenity of residents, highway safety and heritage assets.

“Furthermore, the recommended conditions would ensure that the development would not have any unacceptable adverse impacts in relation to ecology, archaeology, flood risk, drainage and waste management.

Impressions show the scale of the development in the town centre

“The development would contribute to increasing the council’s supply of housing land. The application is therefore recommended for approval.”

When plans were first submitted in February, documents stated: “The site is positioned in good proximity to Warrington Central, Warrington Bus Interchange and within walking distance to Time Square and the Cultural Quarter, making the ideal location for a mixed-use destination.

“It is envisaged that the Central Station Rail Gateway will become an exciting and vibrant residential quarter in the heart of Warrington.

“The site also has the potential to activate the eastern gateway area and enhance the connectivity between the Cockhedge Centre, the surrounding units and the town centre.

“Our masterplan aims to create a new urban quarter, successfully connecting the town centre with the Cockhedge Centre and the eastern gateway.

“The proposals will add much needed diversity to the developing town centre within Warrington in bringing a core residential population that supports a sustainable environment for living.”