Scheme to build 500 homes on town land

HOMEBUILDING giant Redrow has lodged plans to build nearly 500 houses on former Green Belt land in north Widnes.

The projects comprise 441 dwellings at Mill Green Farm north of Derby Road and 52 units on a nearby plot along the southern edge of South Lane.

According to a Redrow design and access statement (DAS), the larger development will comprise a mix of homes with between one and five bedrooms intended to cover wide market demand and capture a “country lane” feel.

A fifth of the properties will be classed as “affordable” and include mews-type homes, described as forming a “high quality development”.

If approved, the smaller 2.3-hectare plot on South Lane will have 52 houses with between one and five bedrooms, most for private sale and 10 “affordable” homes, alongside “beautifully-landscaped green areas that incorporate footpaths and various play areas”.

Previously classed as Green Belt, the fields were redesignated as housing land by Halton Borough Council’s Delivery and Land Allocations Plan, approved in March.

In its conclusion, the DAS for the larger scheme said: “The scheme utilises the development area in the most efficient way and still provides excellent quality spacious living and striking street scenes.

“Redrow consider that the result is a high quality, well considered scheme that responds positively to its setting, by enhancing the area, creating additional character and an aspirational place to live that will benefit the local area by responding to the local housing needs and demand.”

The developments have previously attracted criticism from resident Gary Clayton who said the plans “came as a big shock to most people” and would further strain stretched services.

Public consultation is open for both schemes until May 5.

Halton Council has set a provisional target decision date of July 8.