DEVELOPERS are to transform a derelict former industrial site in Oakmere into a major housing estate.

The Crown Estate is to build 180 homes on the former Marley tile factory site off Station Road, which closed in 2006.

The site is on the edge of Delamere Forest, and is likely to be developed in three phases, with land closest to Station Road being developed first.

It is envisaged building will begin in the middle of 2016, with completion by mid 2020.

There will be a new roundabout on Station Road to provide access into the site, and the developers have agreed to contribute £103,000 to create a footpath over the railway bridge to improve pedestrian safety around the station.

This is work which has already been identified as being required as part of Forestry Commission proposals for a new visitor centre and forest lodges in Delamere Forest, which are awaiting a decision from the Government.

In addition developers will provide £39,000 for a footpath from the site entrance to Delamere Station and £32,000 to improve safety at the junction of Station Road and the A556.

There will also be a drop off/pick-up point in the site local school buses which currently turn around at the entrance to the station.

The outline application was unanimously approved by the strategic planning committee at Cheshire West and Chester Council on Thursdayict .

Councillor Jill Houlbrook said the site was very suitable for development.

“There are buildings on there which have been falling down for quite some years, and it will not be particularly visible from the road,” she said.

“The site has been derelict for a long while, and what is planned is suitable for that particular area.”

The development will include 30 per cent of affordable homes, children’s play areas and allotments.

Oakmere Parish Council expressed concern about the level and density of housing, and wanted to ensure the scheme was sufficiently supported by new infrastructure.

Delamere Parish Council opposed the application, stating that despite representations to the developer there was no provision for elderly care facilities.

It was also concerned about highway safety, and said formal traffic management was needed at the Fourways crossroads.

Residents also submitted comments on the scheme, which included concern the scheme would result in the merging of Oakmere and Delamere, and the scale of the development was out of character with the Green Belt area.