Residents horrified by plans to tear down town centre trees

A planning application was submitted in July, and following a consultation period, the application became 'valid' in October.

The application is currently under consideration by the planning committee at Warrington Borough Council, and a decision will be made by the council by Thursday, December 8.

The land that is being eyed for developments is currently unused (Image: Plande)

Documents submitted show that the site off Lythgoes Lane (one kilometre away from the centre of Warrington) is being planned for landscaping, which will allow a block of offices to be constructed.

The application suggests that the land will be altered in order to 'allow for a facilities management and maintenance company and landscape contractor to occupy the site, the proposals would also include the siting of two modular office and storage units at land off Lythgoes Lane.'

According to the application, the land is not currently in use, and is 'wasteland.'

However, a number of representations have been made, including comments from Network Rail and Warrington Borough Council's Transport Development Control.

Now, residents are up in arms about the application, too.

The highlighted area off Lythgoes Lane is being eyed for developments (Image: Maps)

One resident, Wendy, says she fears the development will disrupt wildlife in the area: "One of my biggest concerns is the destruction of the natural habitat where we have the presence of an abundance of wildlife including owls, bats, a variety of small birds and a family of squirrels who provide endless entertainment with their antics."

If any 'protected' wildlife is found in the area, a report must be included in the planning documents - the documents do not suggest that bats, or other protected species, have made their habitat in the area.

Wendy continued: "This is our piece of 'urban countryside.'

"I naturally have concerns about the effect the proposed activity will have on the value of my property.

Residents are unhappy with proposed developments for the land (Image: Plande)

She added: "This land was originally described as being sandwiched between railway lines and local authority housing. 

"I corrected this by advising that there are actually rows of private dwellings both directly behind and facing this land."

The planning application is currently under consideration by Warrington Borough Council's planning committee.