Construction is set to begin on the new Lunt's Heath Rise housing estate, with the first residents set to move in early next year. 

The World reported yesterday how Halton Council's Development Management Committee had voted through an application by Miller Homes for the development on farmland to the north of Lunt's Heath Road.

The estate, named Lunt's Heath Rise, will feature one, two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes, aimed at individuals, families and first-time buyers. Out of the 328 dwellings, 66 will be allocated as affordable homes.

David Brackley, Regional Operations Director at Miller Homes, welcomed the committee's decision. He said: "We are thrilled to have received planning permission for Lunt's Heath Rise.

"This development will not only provide much-needed housing options but also contribute to the ongoing growth and vitality of the Widnes community.

"Lunt's Heath Rise is designed to meet the diverse needs of future residents, and we are excited to see the project progress."

Miller Homes said it aims to have the first properties on sale by late 2023, with anticipated move-in dates in early 2024.

The estate was one of two to be given the green light at the meeting on Monday, with a further 99 properties being developed by Prospect Homes, set to be built on a nine-acre patch of farmland at South Lane.

In total, more than 1,000 new dwellings could be built in the town as applications progress through various planning stages.