PLANS have now been submitted for a massive new development at Winnington Works, with 1,550 homes, care home, local centre, shops and primary school all on the drawing board.

The Guardian reported in October how TATA Chemicals Europe and INOVYN Enterprises Limited, working in partnership with Gladman Developments Limited, had put forward a scheme for the site, which they say would attract around 3,600 new residents to the town.

But fears were raised by local councillors about a lack of existing infrastructure, particularly in regards to what they said was the need for a new bridge.

A petition set up by Northwich town councillor Lee Siddall entitled ‘no bridge, no build’ so far has 2,038 signatures.

The developers have now applied for outline planning permission for the site, which includes:

  • 1,550 homes including affordable housing
  • 11,000 sq m of elderly accommodation, including residential care home
  • A two-form entry primary school with playing fields
  • Local centre with 600 sq m of space for shops including a convenience store
  • Space for health, nursery and community use
  • Employment space
  • Space for café, restaurant, takeaway and public house
  • A park, allotments and new connected green spaces
  • Cycle and walkways

The proposals would also include moving the war memorial from opposite Winnington Hall to what the plans called ‘a more prominent civic location’.

Northwich Guardian: Artist impression of the proposed local centre at Winnington Works. Image from planning docs.Artist impression of the proposed local centre at Winnington Works. Image from planning docs.

A design and access statement prepared in support of the project, said: “The scheme presents a unique opportunity to breathe new life into this brownfield site, which has been identified for regeneration in the Cheshire West and Chester local plan.

“Our vision is to create a development of a high quality and sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood with a series of distinct character areas that combine modern homes alongside quality facilities, recreational spaces, and employment to create a great place to live, work and play, within an attractive and biodiverse setting.”

No date has yet been set for a decision.