Planning approval for 500-home scheme in Warrington

Housebuilder Countryside has been granted planning permission to build 500 homes at Spectra Park in Warrington.

The mixed-tenure development, which will be named Rivers Edge, will comprise 413 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and 100 apartments, 10% of which will be allocated for affordable housing through a registered partner.

Rivers Edge will mark a major investment by the developer in the town, which is also home to both Countryside offices and their modular panel factory.

Located within Inner Warrington across a total of 38.7 acres, the Rivers Edge development site borders the River Mersey and will provide commuters with a short, 10-minute walk to Warrington Bank Quay Train Station.

As part of its Section 106 agreement with the planning authority, Countryside has pledged to invest £100,000 in local health services and contribute £300,000 towards transport and education.

With the first homes expected to be available for sale from early summer, the planning announcement follows a busy 12 months for the Countryside team as increasing numbers of buyers continue to seek out new homes across Merseyside.

Mark Hadfield, managing director, partnerships Merseyside and Cheshire West, Countryside, said: “This investment represents much more than just homes – our aim is to significantly contribute to the local economy and create opportunities for employment and training alongside our supply chain partners.

“We’re very proud of our track record in building high quality and sustainable communities across Merseyside and beyond, and we achieve this by working in such close partnership with housing associations, local authorities and private rental sector organisations that, together, make up our Partnerships Model.

“By working closely with our partners, and by listening to the community, we will ensure Rivers Edge’s new homes not only meet the incredibly high standards that we set for ourselves, but those of its residents, too.”