Builder submits fresh planning application for golf club scheme

Anwyl Homes has submitted a fresh application to redevelop Widnes Golf Club in a bid to satisfy local objections and potentially avoid a planning appeal.

John Grime, Anwyl Homes Lancashire managing director, said: “We’ve listened to objections from local people, Halton Council and statutory consultees and incorporated a number of changes which we think address their concerns.

“The new application takes their feedback on board and, hopefully, provides a way to revive the fortunes of a golf club that has seen its membership dwindle over the last 10 years.

“We are still preparing to lodge a planning appeal based on the original refusal but hope this fresh application will render an appeal hearing unnecessary.”

The key changes are:

• A reduction in proposed dwellings from 249 units, following a previous reduction from 255, to 233 units while maintaining the full policy requirement of affordable dwellings
• Additional green space, including a wide green corridor to accommodate mature trees which have been subject to recent Tree Preservation Orders
• More trees planted within the retained golf course
• Changes to the proposed access, including removal of a small cul de sac access and all main access now taken from two priority junctions off Liverpool Road
• Improved footpath/ cycle links through the site
• Enhancements to the redeveloped golf course and proposed new club house details, to show Widnes Golf Club’s commitment to improved club facilities, both at Widnes and the Blundells Hill club, which they would take ownership of as part of the deal
• Further detailed flood modelling and mitigation has been provided

As before, the Widnes club’s existing 18-hole course would be replaced with a new nine-hole course, new clubhouse and green keeping facilities that would secure the club’s future.

In addition, Widnes Golf Club would invest in the 18-hole Blundells Hill Golf Club in nearby Rainhill and make improvements to those facilities. The combined membership would have the potential to play at both courses and the plans would ensure the future of those locations.