THE £5 million expansion of Winsford Industrial Estate is set to be confirmed by councillors.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, working in partnership with Public Sector PLC (PSP), is expected to be given the green light to transform the site by planning committee members next Tuesday.

If approved, CWAC and PSP will add 31,635sq m of industrial space to the site, along with cafes, retail, a pub, a hotel and a petrol station – with 1,500 new jobs expected to be created.

In a report issued ahead of next week’s crucial meeting, planning officers are recommending that councillors give the scheme the go-ahead.

“The proposed development would result in the creation of a substantial amount of industrial and warehousing floor space,” the report said.

“In order to deliver the employment uses and make the scheme financially viable, an element of non-employment uses would also be provided.

“Subject to conditions, the proposed development would not give rise to significant adverse impacts in respect of landscape character and visual amenity, flood risk, neighbouring residential amenity, and public health and safety.”

Officers also recommend that a £24,000 contribution is made from the development to improve the junction of Road One, the A54 and Clive Lane.

The expansion includes 13 new industrial units in addition to the redevelopment of Tiger Trailers, which is already under way.

Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, has welcomed the progress made so far – and he will be particularly pleased to see plans for a hotel come to fruition if the scheme is approved next Tuesday.

“For the last 30 years we have been trying to attract hotels to come to Winsford,” the Labour member for Wharton said.

“They wanted to be on the A556 corridor for people travelling to Chester or Manchester Airport, but now that the industrial estate is growing they are taking an interest. I am over the moon.”

The redevelopment of the industrial estate is part of CWAC’s ‘whole place strategy’ for the town – which also includes the regeneration of Winsford Cross, Winsford Town Park and Wyvern House’s public sector hub.

Cllr David Armstrong, CWAC member for Swanlow and Dene, added: “In 2015 Winsford was an overlooked town, but CWAC – in conjunction with Winsford Town Council – has changed all that.

“The people of Winsford can look to the future with the knowledge that the town has been put back on the map as a great place to live and work.”