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Controversial plans to build a subdivision in former playgrounds in Runcorn have received the green light despite objections from the Health and Safety Executive.
The Halton Council Planning Committee voted last night (October 5) to give officials the strength to approve the structure of 139 homes at the former Pavilions Club at Weston Point, pending the final touch of a legal settlement.
Plans met with opposition from neighbors when they were first in 2017 due to the loss of playgrounds and the proximity of the Viridor waste-based power plant.
But it was another commercial facility, an Inovyn Chlorvinyls site that deals with hazardous chemicals, that led the Health and Safety Executive to oppose the plans.
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In its objection, the HSE stated: “The assessment indicates that the threat of harm to individuals in the proposed progression is such that the HSE’s view is that there are sufficient reasons for safety reasons to advise opposing the granting of a building permit in this case. “
The HSE added: “Although the likelihood of a primary turn of destination occurring is low, it is prudent to make plans to take into account the dangers to others in the vicinity of the dangerous facility. “
However, officials said the plans were in line with the council’s policies on trade threats, and members of the plan-making committee were more focused on trafficking issues.
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Cllr Bill Woolfall said: “Members of the local public are concerned, necessarily through the app, I think the app seems to be a problem.
“What you consider once the site is finished, the fact that there is only one for the total of this development. “
But highway officer Phil Peak said the proposed access to the site is “appropriate” and an improvement over previous proposals.
In addition to the 139 houses, the proposed progression would make a contribution of 570,481 euros to the sports facilities and open spaces in Runcorn and ensure a long-term home for Runcorn Town FC on site, an enphyteotic lease for the club’s existing field.
Matt Smith, head of plan-making at developer Gleeson Homes, told councillors that the houses would be intended for first-time buyers and key staff with an initial value of 115,000 pounds for a two-bedroom home.
He added that with the government’s Help to Buy program, this will be “affordable for a minimum-wage couple. “
After Monday night’s decision, plan officials will officially approve the progression once a legal settlement related to Gleeson’s monetary contributions to the local area is reached, provided that the physical fitness and protection officer does not ask the government to “call” the review request. .