Plans in for 405 homes in first stage of 1,200 home Peel Hall scheme

The threat of the 170-acre farmland site in Houghton Green being built on has been one residents have been set against for more than 30 years.

But despite Warrington Borough Council refusing permission for 1,200 homes being built there, the decision was overruled by the Planning Inspectorate in November 2021.

Now, the first stage of the development has been revealed, with an application submitted to the council’s planning department.

This is a reserved matters application seeking permission for the layout, scale, appearance, access and landscaping of the site.

In total, 405 dwellings would be built during this first stage, according to applicant Countryside Partnerships.

The proposal is also for playing fields, including upgrades to multi-use games area, a community building and car parking.

Permission is sought for additional public open space, including footpaths, allotments and areas of play, substations, a pumping station, internal estate roads and footways and other associated infrastructure.

No documents have yet been submitted to the case on the council’s planning website, which can be viewed by searching for application reference number 2024/00142/REMM.

The site of the proposed homes at Peel Hall in Houghton Green

A target was previously set to begin work on building an enormous new housing estate on the farmland which campaigners have fought over for decades.

Property developer Countryside Partnerships confirmed last January that it had acquired the Peel Hall site ahead of proposed homes being built.

They will be delivered by both Countryside and Vistry’s Housebuilding business in a joint venture with Torus.

The partnership previously said that work on site is scheduled to commence in mid-2025 once full planning permission is secured.

Countryside says it will deliver 595 affordable homes in partnership with Torus, as well as 595 homes available on the open market.

The affordable homes will offer a mixture of shared ownership and affordable rent.

Countryside added that the completed development will include ‘significant’ public realm open space, new sports pitches and the creation of a high-quality residential environment.

Stephen Teagle, the firm’s chief executive, said: “Our team has done a great job working with key partners to secure this land.

“We will be providing high quality new homes across all tenures, creating a place with enduring quality.

Campaigners have long fought to save the site from development

“Peel Hall has been one of the most sought-after sites in the north west, and it is fantastic that through our partnerships and housebuilding businesses, we will be delivering much-needed new homes for the local community.”

Countryside is currently developing another huge plot of land in the town for homes, with work well underway on the former Spectra packaging site near Centre Park in the town centre, named Rivers Edge.

When news of the council’s decision not to challenge the Planning Inspectorate’s decision broke in December 2021, campaigners described the news as ‘the most bitter pill to swallow’.

Wendy Johnson-Taylor, of the Save Peel Hall group, said: “We have been in communication with council chiefs, and unfortunately this is the most bitter pill to have to swallow.

“We are very disappointed, however we have to give the council some credit for being thorough before reaching this decision.

“For more than 30 years, we have fought to save this green space.

“Throughout, we have been victorious in this battle – but we have now lost the war.”

Warrington Nature Conservation Forum chairman and former mayor Geoff Settle added: “Our involvement from now on will mitigate some of the damage to Peel Hall and surrounding area, but also to the rest of Warrington.

“However, we still believe the end result will be devastating for north Warrington.”