Development Plans for 550 Homes and Hotel in Warrington Town Centre
The town of Warrington is set to undergo a significant transformation with the proposed development plans for up to 550 homes and a 160-bed hotel in the town centre. Demitrius Limited has submitted an application for the council-owned land, bounded by Tanners Lane and Winwick Street, which will be reviewed by the development management committee.
The outline application includes the demolition of existing structures to make way for a mixed-use development comprising four blocks of up to 12 storeys. This development will accommodate the residential dwellings, a hotel, and commercial/office/retail space totaling 3,000 sq m. The proposal also includes plans for access, public realm works, parking, and servicing.
The application is being recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement. The initial consideration of the application was made in December 2022, where approval was granted subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement. Discussions to finalize the Section 106 agreement have been ongoing since then.
Previous Resolution and Local Plan
The majority of the site is currently occupied by a surface car park. The previous resolution by the committee was made under the previous Local Plan (Core Strategy 2014). However, with the adoption of the Warrington Local Plan (2023), all applications must now be determined in accordance with the new plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
Given the previous resolution to grant planning permission, the committee is now tasked with reconfirming their decision in light of the recently adopted Local Plan. The committee is recommended to grant approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, with delegated authority to the development manager to make minor amendments if necessary.
If the Section 106 agreement remains unsigned six months after the resolution, the development manager is given authority to refuse the application in the absence of an agreement. This is to ensure that the development complies with planning terms and progresses in a timely manner.
Proposed Development Impact
The proposed development aims to provide up to 550 dwellings, a 160-bed hotel, and commercial/office/retail space. Access to the site will be from Tanners Lane and Winwick Street. The development is expected to improve the visual amenity of the local area, provide a high standard of living for residents, and avoid harm to heritage assets.
The viability assessment submitted by the applicant remains valid, and significant weight should be given to the previous resolution by the development management committee. The proposed development is deemed capable of enhancing the local area and ensuring the well-being of both current and future residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development plans for 550 homes and a hotel in Warrington town centre represent a significant step towards revitalizing the area. With careful consideration of the Section 106 agreement and adherence to the new Local Plan, this project has the potential to create a vibrant and sustainable community hub within the town. It is crucial for the committee to assess the proposal thoroughly and ensure that it aligns with the vision for Warrington’s future growth and development.