Homebuilders Barratt and David Wilson plan to redevelop the University of Chester’s former Padgate Campus.
The university closed the site in 2021 after the decision was taken to relocate facilities to a newer site in Warrington town centre.
The only part of the site still in use is the sports facilities by Warrington Wolves, with the club intending to move across the town to Victoria Park at the end of 2025.
As part of the planning application, the housebuilder submitted a screening opinion for the demolition of existing buildings and sports facilities on the site and erection of a residential development of 410 dwellings, inclusive of two self-build plots.
The development will also have vehicular access off Crab Lane and Fearnhead Lane, as well as associated landscaping, public open space, and infrastructure, including a primary sub-station.
A screening opinion is issued by the council, if it is deemed necessary, and advises whether an environmental impact assessment is required with a planning application or not.
An overview of the University of Chester’s Padgate Campus site
An environmental impact assessment, or EIA, ensures project decision makers think about the likely effects on the environment at the earliest possible time to avoid, reduce, or offset them.
But the council ruled that an EIA is not required.
In reaching a decision, the council said: “Environmental impacts are not expected to be significant in EIA terms, and an EIA is not therefore required.
“Although the applicant’s request for a screening opinion has not been subject to publicity, as this is not required for a request for a screening opinion, one objection has been received.
“This raises concerns about the impact of the proposed number of dwellings on traffic, schools, and dentists.
“These matters have been considered as part of the screening opinion, and it is not considered that a significant effect in EIA terms would be likely.
“These matters will also be considered as part of the planning application process, and interested parties are able to make further representations in respect of the planning application for the proposed development.”
An example of a typical Barratt Homes street scene
Developers say that the Crab Lane site will be transformed into a thriving residential community of just over 400 ‘much-needed, high-quality’ homes.
It also says that the proposed development would support the future of sports provision in Warrington by delivering new and upgraded facilities across the borough.
Aiming to deliver a range of new homes to meet demand, the development – poised to be named Kings Guard – would also include extensive landscape planting and more than 2.6 hectares of public open space, developers say.
Andrew Taylor, planning director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “This will be an exciting development, and one which will bring a range of benefits to the wider community in Warrington.
Among the circa-400 properties proposed at the development are 52 affordable homes.
To mitigate for the loss of the on-site sports facilities, the developer proposes to resurface two poor-quality artificial hockey pitches at Lymm High School and Priestley College, and install new 3G pitches at Victoria Park and Woolston playing fields.
It will also build new six-room community changing facilities and resurface the eight-lane synthetic athletics track at Victoria Park.