HOUSEBUILDERS say 64 new homes will help address the shortfall of new housing in Winsford.

The mix of affordable houses and apartments are to be built in New Road, Winsford, on the site of New Road Business Centre.

They are to be created by MCI Developments and managed by Wulvern Housing Limited following approval of a full planning application by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The development will involve the demolition of existing buildings, and comprises 24 two-bedroom houses, four three-bedroom houses, 21 one-bedroom apartments and 15 two-bedroom apartments, served by 89 car parking spaces.

The site is situated east of New Road and west of the Weaver Navigatiion Channel.

A report by Cheshire West planners said the scheme would result in an affordable housing scheme, offering social benefits and economic benefits in the form of construction jobs and spending by residents.

“The scheme is acceptable in terms of its design and layout, is located in a sustainable location and is in accordance with the Winsford Neighbourhood Plan,” it said.

“The scheme will create an attractive living environment, and subject to conditions is acceptable in accordance with relevant local and national policies.”

A report accompanying the application said Winsford’s population had grown by 9.3 per cent in the last decade, and the development would provide new housing for local people.

“The intention is for all these new homes to be managed by Wulvern Housing Limited,” it said.

“All the units are will be let at affordable rents which are not allowed to exceed 80 per cent of a market rent.

“It is anticipated the majority of the new houses will be occupied by young families, helping to ensure the immediate area and Winsford has an economically active population, which will increase the support for local families.

“The 64 new homes are much needed, and will help to contribute towards addressing the identified need for more new housing and help address the existing shortfall of new housing in the Winsford area.”

The report by planners said the housing scheme had been amended to address layout and highways issues.

“The resulting scheme results in a development which provides an attractive street frontage to New Road, as well as properties fronting the River Weaver, with a cycle path between the development and the river,” it said.

“The frontage along New Road is also set back from the road, allowing for a buffer between the road and the start of the development.”