A HOUSING association has been given the green light to build homes on land currently used as a 26-space car park off St Chad’s Fields.

Five two-storey terraced homes will be built on the site by Muir Housing, at the junction with Swanlow Drive, after Cheshire West and Chester Council approved the scheme.

Eleven neighbouring households objected to the scheme, while Winsford Town Council also called for it to be refused.

In a statement sent into CWAC, the town council said: “This appears to be a speculative over development of the site.

“It would result in adverse effects to the local residents, mainly, through loss of essential car parking spaces and the open plan aspect of the estate would not exist if the development is given the go-ahead.”

The decision brings to an end a 12-year planning battle for Muir.

The housing association had plans to build six homes on the site rejected back in 2008, while it withdrew an another application for six terraced homes on the site in 2017.

However, CWAC officers were satisfied that this latest proposal could be built and insisted it fits in with the Winsford neighbourhood plan.

They also felt enough parking space could be provided for existing residents on the estate.

A new parking area will be provided to the rear of the homes with 17 spaces, including seven for existing residents, while 15 new spaces have already been added to another Muir car park nearby.

In a report published online, CWAC officers said: “The development would provide new residential development close to Winsford town centre.

“The site is considered to present good accessibility to services and would promote sustainable modes of transport.

“It is considered that the development would respect the character of the street scene and local area.

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“It is also considered that the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on residents' health or quality of life.”

Muir has three years to start the work before the planning permission expires.