CONTROVERSIAL attempts to build apartments on the edge of Burtonwood have finally won over planners - but not without a fight.

But Burtonwood councillors still say proposals by Clifford Developments for three-storey blocks, on land to the east of Winsford Drive, would be completely "alien" to the village.

The last time the blueprints were debated, at a public inquiry, a planning inspector rejected 43 homes on the same site, criticising the uninspired design of the scheme.

Strategic planning director John Earle told councillors that a number of the concerns outlined by the inspector had been addressed by the applicants in their latest bid, now for 56 units.

Submissions show the apartments arranged in blocks of two, two-and-a-half and three storeys, with a broken roof line and that more thought had been taken about the estate's layout, he told members of Warrington's development control committee.

However, former planning committee chairman Clr Terry O'Neill lambasted the latest bid, claiming little had been done to lessen the detrimental impact of the plans on the surrounding area.

Clr O'Neill said measures incorporated to reduce noise pollution from Burtonwood Industrial Estate for prospective residents - a mound and fencing - would harm the outlook for neighbours.

He also stressed that Burtonwood village's recently adopted design statement opposed the construction of three-storey dwellings in the area.

Fellow ward member Clr John Joyce told the committee that Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council was again worried about the poor design and layout of the apartments and that there was an over-supply of housing in the area.

Committee members Clrs Les Hoyle and Les Street, believing the inspector's concerns had been met, supported the package's approval.

All but two of their colleagues agreed and planning permission was granted.

The developers have offered £17,200 towards improvements to Burtonwood Park as part of the planning process.