February's planning stories to keep an eye on in Warrington

However, we've rounded up the ones we feel you should keep your eyes on over the coming weeks and months.

Here are the six biggest planning stories we covered in the Warrington Guardian this month that you might have missed.

1.) Cockhedge demolition

Cockhedge's bridge would be removed if the plans are approved (Image: Newsquest)

Plans have officially been submitted to the council for the partial demolition of the Cockhedge Shopping Centre.

The application - if approved - would see the bridge over Scotland Road removed, as well as the levelling of 16 retail units in order to make the centre more financially viable.

There would also be an emphasis on driving the centre forward based on the nighttime economy, too.

2.) 163 homes to be built in Winwick

This is part of the land the developers are eyeing up (Image: Newsquest)

Bellway Homes has submitted a scheme to build 163 homes on land off Golborne Road to the north of Winwick.

In plans submitted to the council earlier this week, the developers say 49 will be 'affordable' and the remaining 114 units sold at 'market value.'

A screening option was sent to the council last year ahead of the formal, detailed planning application this month.

3.) Pet cremator to be installed at Walton Lea Crematorium

The crematorium would be able to provide cremations for pets if the plans go forward (Image: Newsquest)

New plans were submitted by Walton Lea Crematorium this month regarding the siting of a new device on the site that would allow for the cremations of pets to take place.

Included in the application are a number of considerations regarding the local wildlife, which includes newts.

A new device on-site would mean that pet owners would not need to venture further afield to say goodbye to their four-legged friends.

4.) Row erupts over plan for 98 homes in Croft

The land being eyed for the development is adjacent to Croft Primary School (Image: Maps)

Residents and local politicians alike have condemned the plans submitted to the council's planning bosses this month regarding a new housing development in Croft.

The proposal - again, by Bellway Homes - has not proved to be a popular proposition, with some complaints referring to the impacts this would have on local traffic, as well as on an already-oversubscribed school.

13 of the 98 homes would be considered 'affordable' if the plans are given the green light.

5.) 'Green' pizzas?

The distribution centre will be getting more 'green' in the coming months (Image: Newsquest)

It was decided this month that the major Domino's Pizza distribution centre would be allowed to install solar panels on its roof.

The site on Omega Business Park is responsible for distributing most of the region's Domino's store ingredients, which includes dough that is made on-site daily.

Despite applying for permission in December, planning chiefs at the council informed the industry giants that they did not need permission for this development - so expect your takeaway to be a lot 'greener' in the coming months. 

6.) Work commences on Gemini's ALDI

The site is unrecognisable now work has commenced (Image: Dave Gillespie)

Diggers have moved into the development off Europa Boulevard in Westbrook in order to continue the work of building Warrington's newest ALDI store.

Demolition crews moved onto the site in November to knock down the former Arnold Clark dealership.

It's hoped that the new store will be ready for action by September this year.

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