A HOST of road improvements are set to be proposed as part of plans for a new housing development in Winsford.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working with utilities firm Engie to redevelop vacant land between Bostock Road, Smokehall Lane and Deakins Road.

A total of 139 properties could be built on the site – set to be called Wharton Green – with the current proposal including 42 council houses plus 60 affordable homes.

Following an initial consultation event on the scheme in August, the developers have tweaked their plans to meet residents’ concerns about road safety.

In a letter to Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Labour CWAC member for Winsford Wharton, development manager Ryan James said: “A number of residents raised concerns over the congestion and safety of pedestrians and vehicle users on Bostock Rd from the increase in traffic and current high speed along this road.

“To look at this further we appointed an independent transport consultant to undertake a transport assessment which will again accompany the planning application.

“This transport assessment identified a number of improvements which would address the speed along Bostock Rd and traffic flow in and around the site to therefore improve the highways safety.

“These improvements proposed will be discussed in more detail with the council’s highways department during the planning application process.”

Engie is suggesting upgrades to street lighting along the A5018 Bostock Road and Road One, along with improvements to road drainage along the A533 Bostock Road.

The speed limit on the A54 could be cut at the junction with the A533 Bostock Road – while the traffic lights at the A54 and Road One junction could be reprogrammed to improve traffic flow.

Northwich Guardian:

The A54/Road One junction. Image: Google Maps

And traffic calming measures – such as rumble strips – are being proposed on the northern A5018 approach to the junction for the development and at the A54/A5018 gyratory junction.

Winsfordians at the consultation event also raised concerns about privacy for existing nearby residents and noise from businesses along Deakins Road affecting the new residents – and Engie is now proposing extra tree planting and an acoustic bund to tackle those issues.

Mr James added: “We are extremely confident that our proposal will deliver a high-quality development for Winsford and will improve a much-needed vacant parcel of land.”

Residents will be able to comment on the plans once a formal planning application is lodged with CWAC, which is expected this month.

Cllr Pardoe said: “Wharton Green delivers a mix of social and affordable housing and is a step towards combating the housing shortage we face.

Northwich Guardian:

“These and other housing projects are not at the expense of the regeneration programme for Winsford – they are delivered concurrently.

“Concerns were raised at the consultation about increasing pressure on schools, GPs, hospitals and other public services.

“Please remember that national government is responsible for the lion’s share of funding for public services – I’ll continue to work with my council colleagues to campaign for the funding we desperately need.”

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For more information email Cllr Pardoe on nathan.pardoe@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or call 07917 754771.