Manchester architects secure two residential planning consents

The Manchester office of BDP Planning Studio has recently secured two outline planning consents on behalf of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The sites, north of Eastway near Preston and Westbrook near Warrington, will both feature residential development.

A development of 300 homes, along with infrastructure investment is planned for Eastway: the first development site to secure consent since the City Deal was announced. .

The 25.9 hectare site has been committed for development for a number of years and forms a strategic early development site in the facilitation of the North West Preston Strategic Location that will help deliver the housing that Preston needs in a coordinated and sequential manner.

Stuart Sage, area manager, HCA commented that “the Eastway site has long been identified as having the potential for development so it is great news that the planning application has been approved. The fact the application was supported by 14 out of 15 Councillors on the planning committee is testament to the level of engagement the team put into the project.

“The Masterplan evolution has been critical to enhancing the place-making prospects for the site, as well as securing a more viable development. Longer term, this 15-year development will include new infrastructure to support the growth of Preston city centre and surrounding areas, bringing with it new jobs, enhanced communities and economic growth for Central Lancashire.”

The Gemini 16 consent secures the principle of residential development on a site previously designated for employment use. With Omega being marketed as Warrington’s focus for all future economic growth, the provision of a high quality housing offer in such close proximity will assist in providing the key ingredients to support the continued economic success of the Borough, assisting in diversifying the housing offer and helping retain and attract the labour force needed to service the growing economy.

The development will also secure contributions allowing Warrington Borough Council to invest in strategic public transport infrastructure, benefits which will be felt by the wider community.

Delyse Bailey, area manager, HCA commented that “Gemini 16 is an important site for disposal and to achieve a residential consent on the land has allowed the Agency to bring the land to the market six months earlier than forecast. The development of this site will support the economic growth aspirations of Warrington Borough Council.”

Francis Glare, director, BDP, commented: “We are very pleased to have received residential planning consent for these two strategic developments in Preston and Warrington on behalf of the HCA.

“Both schemes will be vital in supporting the continued economic growth of both areas, resulting in a range of new houses and creating new jobs, and reflect BDP’s commitment to supporting new projects in the North West of England.”