UP to 78 new homes are set to be built at the former Greedy Pig site in Winsford – appearing to end talks of new businesses opening on the land.

Lane End Developments submitted two planning applications for the site last year – with the first including 46 homes along with a KFC and Starbucks.

But following concerns from Winsford councillors and discussions with Cheshire West and Chester Council officers, the developer lodged fresh plans for up to 78 homes on the site.

And at Tuesday’s meeting, CWAC’s planning committee approved the latest proposal, subject to financial contributions from the developer being agreed with officers.

Cllr Lynn Gibbon, speaking on behalf of the Build and Thrive Board, told the committee: “This site has been a difficult site. It has been seven years where nothing has happened.

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“This development would make an asset for that part of town and complement the centre of Winsford when it is redeveloped.”

The scheme includes 46 affordable homes – including 36 apartments and 10 houses – on part of the site furthest from the Wharton Road roundabout.

Lane End Developments will then be required to give CWAC further design details for the remainder of the site, which can include up to 32 new properties.

The land was allocated for development in Winsford’s neighbourhood plan – but Cllr David Ellis, Labour town councillor, told the committee that the plan requires a ‘mixed development’ on the site rather than just housing.

He said: “The River Weaver is of special interest in Winsford. It gives us a leisure outfit, it is central to the town and is most important.

“The building of houses solely in that area really does not comply with our vision for Winsford.”

Planning officer Steven Holmes told the committee that the land was put on the market by CWAC in 2013, following the demolition of the former Greedy Pig pub.

He said that there had been ‘some interest’ from a car sales operator, a cafe, a supermarket and some drive-thru restaurants from that point, but those enquiries were ‘not followed up’.

Following Mr Holmes’ comments, Conservative Cllr Jill Houlbrook said: “I can see no reason not to approve this application, then.”

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Cllr Samantha Dixon, Labour, added: “The [neighbourhood plan] was consulted upon and made a number of years ago and the world is a different place.

“I really support this development because it is 100 per cent affordable housing with the benefit of a river-front view.”