Saxons Lane could be widened for access to 83-home marina development

The site, currently in use as a boating repair facility with ‘ramshackle buildings, rusting vehicles and scrap’, would be redeveloped by H20 – a joint venture between the Canal and River Trust and housebuilder Bloc.

Initial plans submitted in April 2018 had suggested a mix of apartments and houses, although the updated scheme proposes up to 83 houses – made up of two-, three- and four-bedrooms and including semi-detached, detached and terraced designs.

A planning statement said: “The proposed use for the site is a mixed use development, including a redeveloped boat marina with serviced moorings, maintenance centre and shop, and a new residential development comprising up to 83 dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscape.

“The exact mix of proposed dwelling types will be determined at the Reserved Matters stage in response to future market need.

“The existing marina and its associated use will be retained and enhanced. The industrial-sized sheds and machinery [currently on-site] will be replaced with a modern facility building, marina office and shop.

“The existing moorings will be upgraded to provide high standard serviced canal boat moorings with parking and toilet facilities.”

A key concern for Northwich residents when plans first came to light was the sole access route being via Darwin Street, Alfred Street and single-lane Saxons Lane.

Developers now say that Saxons Lane would be widened to accommodate two-way traffic, with a footpath running alongside the entirety of its western carriageway.

The planning statement added: “An initial assessment has been carried out in relation to the site access which suggests that a width extension to the road would be required, resulting in the road being 5.5m wide with the inclusion of a footpath to one side of the road.”