PLANS have been submitted to build 99 'much-needed' family homes in Winsford.

Equans Regeneration Ltd is seeking permission from Cheshire West and Chester Council to build a residential development on land off Clough Road.

The current site, known as Phoenix House, comprises a cluster of council buildings and a depot used for vehicle storage and cleaning, alongside areas of hardstanding and car parking.

If the scheme is approved, these buildings would be demolished.

According to a design and access statement, prepared by Eden Building Design on behalf of the applicant, the 'much-needed' homes will be a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties.

The statement said: "The intention is to create premium starter and family homes that respect Winsford’s prevailing architectural character, but also look to add something different from what is currently on offer.

"The 99-dwelling scheme has benefitted from a thorough understanding and appraisal of its locale and from a close and scrutinous consultation process with Chester West and Cheshire Council.

"At many stages during its development, the scheme has been subject to detailed review, resulting in improvements made to multitude facets, including access, appearance, layout, scale, landscape design and sustainability.

"The development forms a natural extension to the urban settlement boundary, delivering high quality housing for both outright sale and affordable rent."

The design and access statement adds that 65 per cent of the properties will be for shared ownership or affordable rent.

A constraint to the scheme has been identified in the shape of a badger sett within woodland to the north east of the site, however the plans state works will not be propsed with a 30-metre buffer zone of the sett.

Should the plans be approved, the neighbourhood would be delivered by a well-established registered provider.

The deadline for commenting on the plans is August 18.

To view or comment on the proposal, search reference 22/01393/FUL on the council's online planning portal.