19 one-bedsit studios at Midwood House, Travis Street, Widnes

“The site is accessed via Travis Street and is secured by an access barrier to the site entrance and surrounded by secure fencing. The proposal will see the retention of 24no. car parking spaces (including 3no. EV charging and 2no. disabled spaces), as well as additional cycle parking, motorcycle parking, and an outdoor seating area.”

“In regard to the development site and relevant adjacent sites, a planning history search has found that the original office building was approved under application 8620184P in 1986 and the installation of 2no. air conditioning units was approved under application 03/00108/FUL in 2003.”

“As forementioned, in 2016 prior approval application 16/00369/P3JPA approved the change of use from offices to 34no. residential studio flats. However, currently only 33no. of the approved studio flats are used for residential purposes, 1no. of the approved rooms is currently used as a laundry room. This is reflected within the submitted existing floor plans and is proposed to be retained as a laundry room in the proposed plans.”

“Based on the above assessment and subject to the proposed conditions to be issued with a planning approval, the proposal is deemed acceptable.”

“When assessed against the policies in the NPPF taken as a whole, taking into account the details of the scheme and any material planning considerations, the proposal is thus sustainable development for which the NPPF carries a presumption in favour. As such, the proposal is considered to accord with the Halton Delivery and Allocations Local Plan and national policy in the NPPF.”

“The application was publicised by 74 neighbour notification letters and a general site notice both issued on 18.09.2025 to the surrounding properties. A web advertisement and press notice was also published in the Widnes Weekly News on 25.09.2025. No representations have been received from the publicity given to the application, which expired on 16.10.2025.”

“Cllr Jones has raised concerns in relation to existing illegal parking along Travis Street, however has made no formal written comment. It is noted that any indiscriminate parking within the area 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…”

“After consideration of the application and updates provided by officers, the proposal was Moved and Seconded and the Committee voted to approve the application.”

“RESOLVED: That the application be approved subject to the following: 1) S106 or other appropriate agreement securing financial contributions for Greenspace Provision (£9,702.81) and Recreational Pressure Mitigation (£5,286.94) 2) Schedule of the following conditions: • Standard Full Permission 1 • Approved Plans (Policy GR1) • External Facing Materials (Policy GR1) • Standard Hours Condition (Policy GR2) • Site levels (Policy GR1) • Parking and Servicing Implementation…”