Field home application submitted

PLANS to build homes on former playing fields in Runcorn have taken a step forward after developers filed a planning application.

Wigan-based MCI Developments is intending to construct 72 houses and bungalows at the site on Picow Farm Road near Runcorn railway station.

The site was earmarked for housing by Halton Borough Council as part of plans to regenerate Runcorn town centre.

A design statement accompanying the plans said the aim is for Halton Housing Trust to manage the properties once completed.

Permission is being sought for 32 twobed houses, 33 three-bed houses, three two-bed bungalows and four four-bed houses.

Fifty-four properties will be classed as ‘affordable’ and occupied under rent, shared ownership and a rent-to-buy deals, with the remaining 18 units for deferred market sale.

MCI Developments said the fields have been vacant and unused for eight years. The firm said it was expected that young families will occupy most of the homes.

Picow Farm Road connects Runcorn town centre with light and heavy industrial land on the town’s western bank.

Planning permission is already in place for Neptune Developments and Halton Borough Council to build 62 homes on the fields, a project that has already received the green light.

Approval was given for the local authority to sell the land in March last year as part of plans to regenerate Runcorn.

In the planning application’s conclusion, MCI Developments said: “The resultant schemes will, if approved, provide 72 new much-needed energy efficient homes with the intention that they be built for Halton Housing Trust, with the majority (54 units) being affordable.

“All the affordable rented units will be let at affordable rents.”

Public consultation is open until today, Thursday, October 12 with Halton Borough Council aiming to decide the matter by December 15.