Plans for major leisure marina development in Cheshire town move a step closer

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Fresh details have emerged over plans to create a leisure marina and up to 83 homes at Northwich’s Weaver Shipyard, almost five years after they were first submitted.

Cheshire West and Chester planning chiefs first approved an outline application for the site off Saxons Lane back in 2020, despite opposition from local councillors and some local residents at the time.

But progress stalled pending the signing of a section 106 agreement – a legally binding contract between councils and developers which establishes under what conditions construction can go ahead. It was revealed in early 2022 that this had now been signed.

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With outline permission already secured, a reserved matters application has now been submitted which adds more details regarding specific appearance, layout, scale and landscaping.

Plans for the area date all the way back to 2016 at the brownfield site and former shipyard.

And if approved, the new scheme would see a mix of house sizes, comprising one bed ‘cottage flats’ and two, three and four bedroom properties built. A third of the homes would be classed as ‘affordable’.

Additionally, the proposal includes the construction of a marina facilities building. Developers H20 Urban – a partnership between The Canal & River Trust (CRT) and private development company Bloc – said the new structure would ‘enhance’ services for the existing marina business and support improved mooring opportunities within the marina and along the River Weaver frontage.

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A design and access statement submitted in support of the plans, said: “The site has undergone an extensive design review, involving all relevant parties. The result is an attractive residential development, which will positively contribute to the local area, and blend harmoniously with its surroundings.”

It said the development would deliver a range of ‘high quality’ homes, positioned within a highly sustainable location.

The statement added: “It will significantly contribute to the availability of housing supply in the local community. To conclude, it has been clearly demonstrated through this statement that the development proposes an efficient use of land, which will enhance the surrounding area.”

The scheme had proven controversial in the past. At the original hearing, Winnington and Castle councillors Bob and Kate Cernik both spoke against the development, with key issues including flood risk management, loss of flood plains and the impact on highways.

But Dan Brown, agent for H20 Urban, pointed to the applicant’s ‘transformational’ Hayhurst Quay scheme, suggesting that the current site provided a ‘negative impression’ to that section of the Weaver.

The new plans can be viewed on the council’s planning portal under the following reference number: 24/03833/REM.