PLANS to construct 17 flats near a railway line in Latchford have been approved by the council, three years after being proposed.

The approved plans were submitted to the council in July 2020, before being validated in October that year.

It was determined that the plans required a delegated decision, hence the length of time it has taken for the plans to be decided upon.

The proposals are for land bounded by Station Road, Grammar School Road and the railway embankment.

Part of the railway embankment will be removed, and the construction of a retaining wall and a three-storey building will commence.

The new building will comprise three one-bed flats and three two-bed flats, as well as a part three-storey, part four-storey building comprising eight one-bed flats and three two-bed flats – which would total 17 flats.

Proposals also include associated public realm works, car and cycle parking, a residents' amenity area, fencing and bin storage.

In August this year, Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Marks - a former council leader - said: "This looks to me an interesting application and we will be looking carefully at the details when they are available.

“What local people think about it is of great importance and must be taken into account when the application is determined by the council.

"It may have wider implications for the rail route and the bridge.”

The land was subject to a far more ambitious development plan back in 2017.

Back then, 280 homes were planned with the removal of the railway line and underground parking suggested.

However, the council dismissed those blueprints because of the impact on the road network and on people living nearby.

Warrington Borough Council approved this application on Thursday, November 2.