HALTON Housing Trust has recently received the planning and funding approval to redevelop a brownfield site in Widnes.

The exciting news paves the way for work to start on a housing development of 12 two-bedroom apartments and six bungalows at Clarke Gardens.

The redevelopment scheme was given the green light for funding by the Homes and Communities Agency on October 12, and will open a new chapter for the area.

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “This is a major boost for Widnes and we are delighted to be able to turn our plans for the area into reality and provide a development that will benefit many people living in the local community.

“This has been the culmination of a lot of hard work and I would like to thank everyone involved.  This is an extremely exciting project for the Trust. As our first development project we want this to be seen as a flagship scheme that provides 18 new homes that meet the housing needs of people living within Halton.”

The redevelopment scheme, which received planning permission last month, will help provide much-needed affordable housing in Widnes and transform an empty, brownfield site which was formerly the site of an unpopular bedsit scheme for the elderly which the Trust demolished shortly after the transfer of homes into its ownership.

The Clarke Gardens plans are for a contemporary development of 12 two-bedroom apartments and six three-bedroom bungalows set in landscaped grounds where residents can enjoy a central, communal garden, close to the town centre.

All the new homes will be built using the latest design and build quality standards – including high energy efficiency.

The development will also meet the Lifetime Homes standard, providing accessible and adaptable accommodation that is easy to live in for as long as possible.

The project is expected to take a year to complete and underlines Halton Housing Trust’s commitment to invest in its local communities.

Halton Housing Trust, project managers Plus Dane Group and architects Halsall Lloyd Partnership are also working closely with one family to design a bespoke bungalow that meets their specific support needs.

Donna and Mike Hills, and their three children, two of whom have disabling conditions, have helped design a purpose-built bungalow as part of the scheme.

They have worked with the Trust and its architects to help draw up a home that will give them a better environment in which to care for their children.

Speaking after the announcement this week, Mrs Hills said: “Designing a property that is suitable for our family has taken a big weight off our shoulders.

“We would like to thank Halton Housing Trust and the architects who have been sensitive to our needs and have helped make this happen – it does mean a lot to us.”

For more details about the Clarke Gardens development, please contact Halton Housing Trust on 0151 510 5000