THE approval of plans to build houses on the haulage yard and family home of 1966 World Cup winner Roger Hunt represents the end of an era for Culcheth, according to a businessman behind the blueprints.

The proposals for six homes on the Church Lane site may have provoked controversy among some neighbours.

But transport firm boss Rod Richards believes that the decision to redevelop the former Hunt Brothers depot is the right one.

Ex-Liverpool and England striker Roger and his brother Peter took over the third generation family firm, established by Richard and Harry Hunt in 1929.

Earlier this year the depot was sold to Mr Richards, who runs excavator firm Cheshire Commercials Ltd.

Meanwhile the Hunts consolidate their separate operations in the area - at the Trident and Taylor Park industrial estates, and Glaziers Lane - to a new base in Newton-le-Willows.

Mr Richards says that it became apparent, after several months, that moving large excavators through a residential area would only cause "distress, severe congestion and inconvenience" to residents.

He told the Guardian that the plans for the depot, which include the demolition of the Hunt family home, were drawn up after close consultation with Warrington Borough Council planner Michael Davies.

"I sincerely believe the quality of life, property values and vehicular access will improve immensely with the removal of Culcheth's last major haulage yard," added Mr Richards.

He also plans to erect a sandstone plaque near the site to commemorate the Hunt family's 73-year contribution to village life.

Neighbours in Sawley Close and Avon Road were concerned about the potential loss of privacy caused by two-storey properties proposed for the Church Lane plot.

But Mr Richards says that there are already a number of different house types in the immediate vicinity.