PLANNING permission has been granted for a new coronavirus testing facility in Stretton.

The temporary, prefabricated buildings will be sited on the car park of Spire Cheshire Hospital, close to junction 10 of the M56, for a period of 15 months until the end of 2021.

This land must then be restored to its previous condition.

Spire's new facility will be used in order to test patients for the virus before they are admitted to the hospital.

Submission documents stated: “The buildings are being installed to provide a Covid-19 test station.

“They will provide an external facility so that patients do not have to enter the main hospital building, thereby limiting infection rate.

“The proposed location offers the best free, utilisable space as it offers all required services.”

Temporary planning permission was granted by Warrington Borough Council on Friday, September 18.