Northwich MP Mike Amesbury told developers he could not support their huge housing scheme unless a new river crossing was included.

Mr Amesbury was given an online presentation about the planning application for 1,550 houses, care home, local centre and primary school at the former Winnington Works.

Describing the scheme as ‘an attractive regeneration of a brownfield site’, he nevertheless laid down an ultimatum to representatives from Gladman Developments, TATA Chemicals and INOVYN, who are behind the project.

He said: “I think it’s looking like a great scheme incorporating a new primary school, historical features and the water frontage. But the approach from myself, the community and local councillors will be ‘no bridge, no development!’.”

Northwich Guardian:

The masterplan of the 1,500 new housing scheme

The Labour MP for Weaver Vale said a solution to the traffic pinch point at the current Winnington Bridge was long overdue. He is supporting a funding bid to Government for a new bridge and improved highway infrastructure.

But there was ‘no guarantee’ of success and an element of matched funding would be required in any event so a financial commitment was needed from the developer.

He added: “People’s quality of life will not be good on the new development let alone on existing developments if a new crossing is not included, along with improvements to the surrounding road network.”

Chris Still from Gladman said discussions were ongoing with the highways department at Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC).

Mr Amesbury also raised concerns around the potential for surface water flooding given recent events. He was informed there was an obligation to improve discharge rates into the nearby watercourse compared with currently and balancing ponds would also be installed.

The MP was told there would be a mixture of housing types for families, first-time buyers and young professionals.  He stressed the need for affordable housing as part of mix but was told the size of that element had not yet been decided.

Mr Amesbury was pleased to hear there was a move towards every property having an electric vehicle charging point.

He said afterwards: “It was a constructive discussion but I made clear we need to be creating sustainable communities, including affordable homes and the right infrastructure in place.”

To comment on the application go to the planning section of the CWaC website, search for 21/05070/OUT and follow the instructions.