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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Mark Smith, Local democracy reporter

Developer eyes former Green Belt land for 350 homes

A new estate with 350 homes is being planned on former Green Belt land in Widnes.

The proposals by Taylor Wimpey for the land off Chapel Lane between Widnes and Cronton would be the sixth unveiled by different developers in the town in recent months - all of which, if approved, would result in a total of 1,760 new properties being built in Widnes over the next few years. The company said 20% of its planned new properties would be classed as “affordable”, with the development also including landscaping, walking and cycling routes.

It is now holding a public consultation and said it wants residents to help shape the final proposals before submitting a planning application. The site has been allocated for residential development in Halton Borough Council's Delivery and Allocations Local Plan (DALP), which aims to see the borough deliver 8,050 new homes by 2038.

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It is the latest in a series of plans put forward in recent months. In addition to the new application:

Harworth Group plans to build 500 homes and a school on farmland to the west of Hale Gate Road and south of Halebank Road.

Redrow Homes wants to build 442 properties at Mill Green Lane and a further 52 on land to the south of South Lane.

Miller Homes wants to build 317 properties on land north of Lunt's Heath Road.

Prospect Homes is putting together a planning application for 99 properties at Abbey Farm off South Lane.

It brings the number of planned properties to 1,760 since councillors voted for the new DALP - the strategy which outlines the borough's planning priorities up until 2037.

The document removed several areas of Halton from the Green Belt - a legal zone which restricts building work in order to prevent urban sprawl.

During the consultation phase, Taylor Wimpey advocated for Chapel Lane site to be removed from the Green Belt.

Council chiefs have previously said the authority must provide new properties but said it has insufficient previously developed brownfield land to accommodate them and that “difficult decisions” would have to be made.

A public consultation runs until Monday, October 17.

A public exhibition will be held at Parkland Sports Club on October 5 from 3-8pm.

Comments can also be left at chapellaneconsultation.co.uk, by calling 0333 358 0502 or emailed to chapellaneconsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk or sent by letter to freepost SHAPE TOMORROW.

A spokesman for Taylor Wimpey said the development team will review all feedback and incorporate the suggestions where possible into the final plans before submitting a full planning application.

Brigid Edwards, senior strategic land and planning manager for Taylor Wimpey North West said: "Taylor Wimpey is delighted to share the initial proposals for Chapel Lane and are looking forward to receiving feedback from the local community.

"With the local community's feedback, we want to deliver an attractive, sustainable development that will encourage current and new residents to stay, grow and contribute in Widnes.

“We welcome neighbours and the local community to get involved in our public consultation and help shape our vision. We are excited to start the ongoing conversation."

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