A DOWNSCALED scheme to build homes on land termed as abandoned have been refused permission.

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council to build six three-bedroom, semi-detached homes with access drives.

The 3,000 square-foot, currently vacant site off Ackers Road in Stockton Heath was listed for sale last year for £300,000, having previously been used for housing.

The application was later downsized to four three-bed, semi-detached homes, again with access drives and landscaping area.

But council planners have refused to grant permission to applicant Warrington Housing Association.

In planning documents, it was said: “The development creates much-needed affordable housing.

“The location is suitable for this type of development, with the necessary amenities within a close walking distance.

“The site is abandoned and therefore detracts value from the area, therefore developing the site will be of greater benefit to residents than in its current state.”

Following discussions with the planning department, it was decided to reduce the scale of the development from six units to four.

This was to enable the entire section of land to the south west of the site to be utilised as public open space.

One person to object was Cllr Judith Wheeler, who raised concerns over whether a new bridge over the ship canal, to alleviate traffic, could be built if this land is used for housing.

In refusing permission, the council said: “The proposal would conflict with and undermine the aims of policy which seeks to protect and enhance existing green infrastructure.

“The proposal represents built development that would result in an unacceptable loss of designated open space and does not meet any of the exceptions which would justify development.

“It has not been demonstrated that the proposed development would provide the necessary visibility splays onto Ackers Road, or turning and manoeuvring space needed by vehicles entering the site.

“The proposed development, by virtue of the location and proximity of the proposed dwelling on plot four would result in an overbearing development that would detract from the residential amenity and outlook of the occupiers of number 62 Ackers Road and 14a Montclare Crescent.”