The biggest planning stories from Warrington in August

From decisions issued, to applications lodged, a variety of developments are now on the horizon in Warrington.

These are the five biggest planning stories that were covered in the Warrington Guardian in August that you might want to keep an eye on.

• Over 100 complaints lodged for homes plan in Winwick

The land in question (Image: Maps)

A development plan for 163 homes in Winwick has been the subject of complaints from more than 100 residents.

The project is set for a large area of land off Golborne Road, north of Winwick.

A campaign group, Warrington Action Against Inappropriate Development, has opposed the plans, which it described as ‘not viable due to excessive traffic.'

Other villagers shared similar concerns, arguing: “Winwick village has no essential services such as GPs, dentists and a Post Office, and its school is not in a position to offer places to all the children wishing to attend.

“This lack of amenities is surely not conducive to the development of even more houses in the area.”

• Developers accused of 'side-stepping' planning rules over Peel Hall

The Peel Hall site has long been a source of controversy (Image: Newsquest)

In November 2021, the secretary of state overruled the council’s decision to refuse plans for 1,200 homes on the site – meaning the development could go ahead.

But eagle-eyed Peel Hall campaigners have stepped back into the ring to fight against the changes to planning conditions that they say are a ‘material consideration’ and were approved by the secretary of state to safeguard their communities.

“What Countryside is trying to do is to side-step the rules that were agreed by all parties and the secretary of state, at the last appeal,” said campaigner Wendy Johnson-Taylor.

“We fought so damn hard to put no less than 53 conditions of development in place to achieve the best possible outcome for residents.

“Now Countryside is trying to put the thumb screws on Warrington Borough Council to cut corners in the hope that it will make their overall construction of the site cheaper and easier – all at our expense."

A Countryside spokesman said: “We have recently submitted some minor amendments to our existing planning application (known as non-material amendments), which is a common part of the planning process with large developments.

“This information can be found on the council’s website. The council will now consider our amendments before issuing its decision.”

• Supermarket wars: Aldi versus Lidl

The new stores are set to open on September 7 and 14 (Image: Newsquest)

Warrington will welcome the newest members of the family for Aldi and Lidl in the coming weeks.

Both of the supermarket giants are set to open their new stores in the town before the end of September, with both stores now being given official opening dates.

Aldi's new store, which will open on Europa Boulevard, is set to open its doors on Thursday, September 14 at 8am.

Its competitor, Lidl, however, has announced its new store on Fortress Boulevard at the Omega site will open one week before, on Thursday, September 7.

• Designs unveiled for 'luxurious' restaurant in Culcheth

The plans - if approved - would see the renovation of what used to be the China Rose (Image: Maps)

Plans have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council regarding the site of a disused restaurant in Culcheth.

The site off Common Lane, which was home to China Rose, is being eyed for a new project that will see the installation of a glass balcony overlooking the village green - if approved.

Amended plans by applicant Red23 Property say the property was bought to ‘encourage economic growth within the village.'

The documents read: “The property has been left empty and now requires a high level of refurbishment before being able to welcome the general public again."

The regeneration of the China Rose restaurant aims to modernise and enhance the existing property to create a high-end bar and restaurant with a bistro- style dining experience on the ground floor with a bar situated on the first floor.

• Greenhouse gas removal project approved

The buildings photographed would be demolished to make way for the project (Image: Maps)

Plans have been approved by Warrington Borough Council for the demolition of a former Stepping Stones day nursery building and Coniston Three building.

Located on Watergrove Crescent at Lingley Mere Business Park, it is proposed that these would make way to form a carbon sequestration facility.

Details of the project are outlined in planning documents by applicant Severn Wye Energy Agency.

These state: “The Mersey Biochar project is part of the direct air capture and greenhouse gas removal programme.

“The aim is to research approaches, technological and commercial, to removing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases from atmosphere at a cost as low as possible.

“In principle, the project will produce heat while utilising a capture at source technology – so that carbon is captured before reaching the atmosphere."