A MULTIMILLION pound housing development in Penketh designed for older people has officially opened.

The development is on the site of the former Penketh Tavern, off Greystone Road, which fell into disuse some years ago.

Plans for the development were approved in August 2020 following a lengthy planning battle between the developers and Warrington Borough Council.

Warrington Guardian: The Penketh Tavern fell into a state of disrepair before the site was transformed as part of the new developmentThe Penketh Tavern fell into a state of disrepair before the site was transformed as part of the new development (Image: Newsquest)

The plans were eventually approved following an appeal lodged by the developers.

Councillors originally refused the scheme based on highway safety and the impact on neighbours, but this was disputed in the appeal.

Now, however, the £4million development has officially been opened nearly three years after the controversial plans were approved.

The new development, which has been named Edgewood Court, is now fit to accommodate over-55s in its range of one and two-bedroomed apartments.

This project was a joint venture between Warrington Housing Association and Homes England.

There are now 30 flats at the development, which was officially opened by the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Jean Flaherty.

Cllr Flaherty said: "It’s great to see the redevelopment of a vacant overgrown site which will provide a much needed safe, secure and comfortable place to call home for local older people in an established thriving community which has great shopping, leisure and health service facilities on hand.” 

One of the new residents at Edgewood Park is Maureen Woods, aged 79, who said: "I can’t thank Warrington Housing Association enough for providing me with a lovely warm home near to my friends and family.” 

Judith Winterbourne, Warrington Housing Association board chair, said: “This is a high-quality development to reflect Warrington Housing Association’s continued commitment to substantial investment in the borough to make Warrington a great place to live.

"We are helping to address the housing needs of local older people as well as boosting local employment and supply opportunities.”