Projects

History

The site which is dominated by the elevated M53 was formerly owned by Alfred McAlpine and operated as a haulage yard since 1960

Due to company restructuring, McAlpine required an unconditional disposal of the site, which Harrow Estates agreed through an informal tender process

The obstacles to the development included 'bad' neighbour issues including a perfume factory, a gas works, metal fabricators and chemical works which required a high level of good design to overcome.

Approach

The site, although not specifically allocated for employment purposes, was last used for employment and a case needed to be made on a robust basis that its loss would not cause harm to the economic development of the area

Given the complex nature of the site constraints, detailed consultation was undertaken with the Local Planning Authority and existing community to determine the best approach to site management

Harrow proactively acquired a number of adjacent properties in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to development and improve the presentation of development

The planning consent achieved is for 450 dwellings to be implemented on a market led phasing basis.

Status

Close liaison with the Local Authority and the community resulted in the granting of outline planning consent for up to 450 residential dwellings on a phased implementation basis, open space and ancillary works

Following the establishment of the principle of residential development, a full planning application for the onsite remediation and creation of a development platform was submitted and approved by the Authority and was signed off on a phase by phase basis as works progressed. Works have now been completed on the whole site. Construction on the first phase of the dwelling houses commenced in January 2008 in an area that was previously considered undevelopable due to the level of constraints

The development will have a substantial and positive impact, both on the local regeneration agenda in this area of Ellesmere Port and because of its prominent location as a “shop window into Ellesmere Port” from the passing motorway, the wider perception of the town

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