PLANS have been submitted which seek to start remediation work on a large area in Rudheath which could accommodate ‘at least’ 235 new homes.

They relate to land which was formerly occupied by the ICI Wade Works lying north of Hargreaves Road and both east and west of James Street.

In documents submitted as part of the proposal, applicant Nuvu Development Ltd, a subsidiary of Your Housing Group, says that remediation works will prepare the site for future residential development, which will be subject to a separate planning application in due course.

The 12.49-hectare site has been allocated in the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan Part Two as a strategic site for housing, which to meet housing requirements in Northwich has been outlined for ‘at least’ 235 dwellings.

A planning statement reads: “Your Housing is the sole owner of the application site and is looking to bring the site forward for development in the short term so that it can start delivering housing to help meet local need and demand.

“To facilitate this, given the historic nature of the site, it requires significant remediation prior to being ready to be developed for housing, which Nuvu Developments are keen to progress with.”

The eastern part of the site was formerly part of the ICI Wade Works, which was first developed during the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Northwich Guardian:

Most industrial facets were largely demolished over a number of years in 1977, 1989 and 1993, although some redundant industrial apparatus and infrastructure remains.

A small area adjacent to James Street was also previously used as allotments, which are now overgrown and disused.

Plans seeking outline permission for up to 306 residential dwellings were submitted in 2008 but were subsequently withdrawn.

Nuvu Development Ltd says that remediation work is likely to involve general site clearance, including the removal of vegetation, invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam and fly-tipped waste.

Any asbestos found would be safely removed, while a preliminary agreement has already been reached between Your Housing Group and INOVYN for the removal or relocation of a brine pipeline.

Remaining sub-surface structures would be removed, with concrete and bricks being crushed to form recycled aggregate, while all previously unidentified materials deemed to be a potential risk would be excavated and either treated or removed.

Planning documents say that local councillors have been kept up to date when survey work has been conducted on site and that nearby residents have been informed of the proposed remediation works.

If approved, all necessary vehicles would be directed to and from the site using the existing main access on James Street.