Apartments and hotel at Warrington site set for approval

Outline plans for a major mixed-use scheme in Warrington to accommodate 550 apartments and a 160-bed hotel could soonn secure approval.Land bounded by Tanners Lane and Winwick Street has been earmarked by applicant Demetrius Ltd for the development.The application proposes the demolition of existing structures and the erection of a mixed-use development comprising four blocks of up to 12 storeys. This will accommodate the apartments and hotel, as well as more than 30,000 sq ft of commercial, office and retail floorspace.Also included is associated access, public realm works, parking, servicing and landscaping. All matters are reserved apart from access.The majority of the three-acres application site is currently occupied by a surface car park.A Warrington Borough Council report said the proposed development would make efficient use of a previously developed site within the town centre for a mixture of uses which are appropriate.The report said the scheme would make a contribution to the supply of homes within the borough and would boost the town centre population.It said the proposed development would provide a minimum of 10 per cent affordable housing for which there is a demand in the town centre. There is also a review mechanism to assess if more affordable housing can be provided in the future up to a maximum provision of 20 per cent.Approval has been recommended in the officer’s report subject to conditions.Warrington planners will discuss the application at a meeting on Thursday (8 December).