A major development featuring a new leisure marina and dozens of homes at Northwich's historic Weaver Shipyard has finally received full planning approval, concluding a planning process that began almost eight years ago.
Long Road to Approval
The journey for the Saxons Lane site has been characterised by protracted negotiations and local concerns. An outline application was first submitted in 2018, meeting immediate and fierce opposition from some councillors and residents. Key worries centred on potential flooding risks and the impact of increased traffic on local roads.
While an initial approval in principle was secured in 2020, the full outline scheme was not formally signed off until 2022, following lengthy discussions over legal agreements. The final, more detailed 'reserved matters' application, which specified housing types and finer details, was submitted almost exactly a year ago and has now been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council's planners.
Details of the Weaver Shipyard Project
The approved scheme, put forward by developers H20 Urban—a partnership between The Canal & River Trust and private firm Bloc—includes the construction of a dedicated marina building and up to 83 new homes. The housing will range in size from 'cottage flats' to four-bedroom houses.
In line with local planning policy, around 30 per cent of the dwellings will be made available under Government-mandated affordability schemes, offering a mix of tenures. The developers state the new marina structure will enhance services for the existing marina business and support improved mooring opportunities both within the marina basin and along the River Weaver frontage.
Addressing Local Objections
The project did not pass without scrutiny. Northwich Town Council raised formal objections regarding highway safety and potential traffic congestion, specifically on Darwin Street, as well as impacts on local biodiversity.
Northwich Rowing Club also objected to proposed bank moorings on the main length of the Weaver Navigation, arguing they would "impede the ability to row and organise racing events." In response, council planners have proposed a condition to prohibit vessels from being moored perpendicular to the bank on that stretch of the navigation.
A planning officer's report outlined the access arrangements, confirming a single entrance from Saxon Way leading to a secondary access within the site. The main spine road will continue around to the southwest corner, with accesses leading into residential cul-de-sacs. In total, nine objections from members of the public were recorded.
Despite the concerns, officers recommended approval, concluding: "It is considered the proposed dwellings would accord with the character of surroundings with regard to their appearance, layout and scale. The landscape scheme is considered acceptable." This marks the end of a significant chapter for Northwich's waterfront and paves the way for the transformation of the Weaver Shipyard site.
