A MASSIVE office development has been put on hold in case it causes more congestion at two overloaded junctions.

The application is to build 23 new office buildings at Woolston Grange and cars would use the busy M6 junction 21 and M62 junction 11 to get there.

The developers have already pledged £600,000 to pay for improvements to Warrington Borough Council-maintained roads. But the Highways Agency, which maintains the motorways, said: "We have put a holding direction on the application.

"This means the application cannot be determined until we have had the opportunity to assess the transport impact.

"If there is evidence to suggest improvements, the costs would be funded by the developer."

The developers' transport consultants have said it would be unreasonable to expect the applicant to resolve historical highways problems attributable to the significant numbers of office employment users in Birchwood'.

The planned site is on Longbarn Boulevard off Woolston Grange. Nearby residents have already objected.

Richard and Susan Robinson from Burnet Close do not want there to be a tendency for cars to park in nearby streets.

Kenneth and Kathleen Braide from the same street said: "We also note that office buildings already in existence here are standing idle and isn't it therefore a little farcical to consider further development?"