Plans for around 4,200 new homes in south Warrington have moved forward after the council's cabinet agreed to Homes England's development framework. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Framework sets out vision for six neighbourhoods
The framework, covering parts one to four, sets out the vision and guiding principles for a proposed 'sustainable extension' to south east Warrington. It includes plans for the new homes alongside community facilities and supporting infrastructure, aimed at creating 'well-connected and sustainable neighbourhoods'.
The approval marks a major milestone for the south east Warrington urban extension, which is the largest residential allocation in Warrington and one of the largest Homes England-owned development sites in the north of England.
The proposals identify six distinct neighbourhoods: Stockton Heys, Green Heys, Lumb Brook Heys, Broad Heys, Pewterspear Heys and Stretton Heys.
Land acquisition and community engagement
The framework builds on Homes England's strategic investment in 34 hectares of land within the urban extension area, acquired in April 2025. Bringing 98 per cent of the developable area under Homes England ownership has enabled a 'co-ordinated approach' to delivering the 'critical access infrastructure required to unlock the site and accelerate the delivery' of the wider urban extension.
The development framework has been shaped through extensive engagement with the local community, stakeholders and other interested parties. Feedback gathered during the engagement process has helped inform and refine the proposals, with details reflected in the accompanying engagement reports.
Officials welcome approval
Danielle Gillespie, regional executive director for the north west for Homes England, said: "Cabinet's agreement of the development framework is an important step towards delivery for south east Warrington.
"It provides a clear vision for a thriving new community which will deliver around 4,200 much needed local homes, alongside the schools, green spaces and infrastructure that residents and businesses need.
"We'd like to thank everyone who has shared their views throughout the process. Their feedback has helped shape the framework, and we look forward to continuing to work with local communities and partners as plans progress."
Cllr John Kerr-Brown, the council's cabinet member for environment, housing, and public protection, said: "I welcome cabinet's agreement of the development framework and am looking forward to us continuing to work closely with Homes England to bring forward this important scheme for Warrington.
"Providing high-quality homes for local people remains a key priority for the council, and this development supports our ongoing work to deliver a wide range of housing options, including affordable homes, in every part of the borough to help meet local demand.
"Just as importantly, the plans consider the wider needs of communities by setting out proposals for schools, green spaces, recreation opportunities and other essential infrastructure."
A fifth part of the framework, containing an infrastructure delivery plan, will be prepared by the lead delivery organisation for south east Warrington and agreed with the council at a later date.
Homes England will continue to update local people as the project develops. Residents can find out more, sign up for updates and follow progress by visiting southeastwarrington.co.uk. Further communications, consultation activities and engagement events will take place as plans evolve.
