LAND within a recently-created roundabout leading into Northwich is earmarked for nine flats.

The roundabout links the A559, Station Road, Witton Street, New Warrington Road and Leicester Street.

The site earmarked for the flats was used as a domestic appliances shop, which has been demolished.

The site is owned by Alan Bailey from Antrobus, who submitted an outline planning application in 2006 for 12 flats.

The application was rejected due to insufficient information and missing developer contributions and contradicting policies concentrating housing in other areas.

Since then the moratorium on housing sites outside these core areas was lifted in 2008.

The current scheme was submitted in November 2008, but was withdrawn and resubmitted in May 2011, being approved the following month.

The planning consent lapsed three years later, and the new submission takes into consideration the new roundabout layout and associated access roads put in place in 2016.

Since the previous submission Mr Bailey has also acquired the adjacent site formerly known as 33 Station Road – now Yates Way.

The current scheme comprises three one-bed flats and six two-bed.

A report with the planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “The proposed one and two-bedroom apartments should enhance the choice of housing in the community.

“Internet research of the Northwich housing market in early 2017 has shown the market is dominated by terraced houses and large apartments of three or more bedrooms.

“Our development does not impact adversely on the environment as it should not create excessive new air, noise or light pollution.

“It is acknowledged the proximity to the Chesterway roundabout might create increased noise levels.

“The development seeks to mitigate these by providing reduced opening sizes or openings with a high sound insulation value.”

“The car parking on site is based on one car parking space per apartment, and one visitor space.

“The proposed perimeter planting should provide effective screening where appropriate, and is expected to raise the overall value of the landscape on site.”

The needs of people with disabilities have been taken into consideration by the scheme, which includes a lift and barrier-free access.