PLANS for a marina and almost 100 homes at the Weaver Shipyard have been lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

First mooted almost three years ago, the scheme would bring up to 80 moorings, 38 apartments and 58 houses to the shipyard off Saxons Lane, south of Northwich along the River Weaver.

The plans have been submitted by H20 – a joint venture between the Canal and River Trust and development company Bloc, which delivered the Hayhurst Quay scheme including Waitrose and Marbury Court residential care home.

A planning statement for the new application said: “The focal point of the proposed development will be a redeveloped boating marina which will be positioned to make best use of the existing inlet form the Weaver Navigation at the northern end of the planning application site.

“The boating facilities will include the retention of the site’s successful existing local business WMPL who will provide specialist advice, maintenance and light repairs via a modern waterside workshop

“It is envisaged that this building may also contain a modest shop stocking chandlery supplies, which will provide an active frontage and add visual interest to this part of the Weaver’s waterside.”

A public consultation event exhibiting the initial plans was held in September 2016, drawing in 122 people.

Principle concerns included the impacts of increased traffic, with Saxon Lane only accessible via Darwin Street and Alfred Street – a route which already suffers from congestion and double parking.

However, a traffic assessment accompanying the application said the key junctions impacted by the development are operating ‘well within capacity’, calling the potential impact ‘minimal’.

Alongside plans for a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes – to be detailed further at a later stage – Saxons Lane would be widened to allow two-way traffic and also lined with streetlights.

A new pavement would also be incorporated, which developers say would help open the site – along with the Marshall’s Arm Nature Reserve – up to the public.

Developers say the eight-acre site is in a ‘very poor’ environmental state, with buildings in disrepair and redundant boats and caravans.

They said: “The site has clearly suffered from a significant lack of investment over a prolonged period of time and offers a negative impression to this stretch of the River Weaver corridor for leisure users and local residents alike.”

What do you make of the plans submitted to the council?

Leave your comments below and on our social media channels, or email yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk