A DERELICT industrial estate in Delamere will be regenerated by housing plans that have been given the final go-ahead.

The Crown Estate will build up to 180 homes on the former Marley Tile Works on the edge of Delamere Forest now its contributions towards community infrastructure have been agreed.

Steve Melligan, strategic land manager at The Crown Estate, said: "The plans reclaim half the site for green space and the local community, while delivering vital infrastructure and much needed new homes for the local area.

“We will now start the process of selecting a reputable house-builder to build out the site with funds from any sale being reinvested back into our business in-line with our investment strategy.”

The site, opposite Delamere Station, has been derelict for almost a decade.

A number of options were considered for the site and consultations held between The Crown Estate, community and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).

The scheme, which is designed to blend with the its woodland setting, will reclaim more than half of the former industrial site as green space for community uses, including allotments, woodland walks, wetlands and informal play areas.

A new roundabout will be introduced in Station Road alongside highway safety improvements at the Abbey Arms and Chester Road junction as well as pedestrian safety improvements at Delamere station.

A dedicated turn-around facility for school buses has also been included.

The developer contributions, known as a Section 106 agreement between CWAC's planning officers and The Crown Estate, will also go towards local primary and secondary education, the provision of gas and broadband services and to the Delamere Community Centre.

The Crown Estate is an independent commercial business established by Act of Parliament and pays its profit to Treasury for the benefit of the nation’s finances.