Town centre apartment block expansion plan would add extra 19 flats
It is recommended for approval
The former office complex in Widnes looks set to be expanded.
The major expansion of a town centre apartment block looks poised to be rubber-stamped. Halton Council’s development management committee meets next week where its is recommended to approve an application to construct a new block at Midwood House on Travis Street, in Widnes, which would increase the number of apartments by more than a third and also include an on-site gym.
The former office complex is located near Widnes Police Station and a change of use application was submitted by property firm Osborne House back in 2016 to convert it into a residential development. Because it was for a change of use under what is known as ‘permitted development’, it did not require full planning permission.
It now has 33 studio flats and plans for an extension have been submitted by the same firm which – if approved – would create an additional 19 one bedsit studio apartments, bringing the total number to 52. The plans say the apartments would be made available on the open market for private rent.
Because it involves construction, a full planning application rather than for change of use must be submitted and approved. The plans are for self-contained apartments, unlike houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) which have shared facilities such as kitchen and/or bathrooms.
A report to the board said no objections have been received but some concerns were raised by Appleton ward councillor Eddie Jones regarding existing illegal parking along Travis Street. But the report said: “Any indiscriminate parking would be a matter for the police. The proposed development offers provision of on-site safe and secure parking for residents only, and as a result would likely not contribute to any illegal parking along Travis Street.”
In addition to the bedsits and gym, the scheme also includes an additional laundry room, manager’s office and outside seating area. Recommending approval, the report concluded: “The proposed development would provide low cost rental accommodation within Widnes’ Town Centre, providing flexible opportunities, and offering an attractive viable site to deliver residential needs within Halton.”
The meeting takes place at Runcorn Town Hall next Wednesday, January 14, at 6.30pm.