250 homes could be built off Clay Lane in Burtonwood

Up to 250 houses could be constructed on 11 hectares of green belt land at Ashtons Farm in Burtonwood under the plans.

This includes a new access road linking the potential development to Clay Lane.

Developer Brooklyn Holdings Ltd has consulted with Warrington Borough Council over a screening opinion as part of the proposed scheme.

Documents lodged as part of this process stated: “The proposed development involves the construction of up to 250 residential properties on land extending in area up to 11 hectares, including access roads and structural open space.

“An additional area of 2.5 hectares in the ownership of the clients will be set aside for biological offsetting.

“It is anticipated residential properties will be mainly two storeys in height with some three storey dwellings.

“The density of the residential property will be compatible with that of adjacent housing areas.

“The site is located within the green belt but this is a planning, not environmental, designation.

“We are of the view that very special circumstances exist to allow housing on this site – namely the significant shortfall in market housing provision within the borough, the urgent need for the supply of affordable housing in the borough, the recognised need to release land from the green belt to accommodate development needs and the sustainable nature of Burtonwood as a location for further housing to meet recognised development needs.

“In terms of significance of impact, the environmental studies carried out to date suggest that this would be low and of a local nature only.”

The development would be subject to a further full application for planning permission.