A new block of affordable apartments are set to be built in Runcorn after planning chiefs gave it the green light.

Halton Council's development management committee unanimously approved a scheme by housing association Onward Homes for 12 flats on the former site of the Murdishaw Methodist Church, just off The Ridgeway in Murdishaw.

It will consist of nine, one bed apartments and three, two bed. There will also be 12 parking spaces including two disabled spaces, two electric vehicle (EV) charging bays, and 12 covered bicycle parking spaces.

Onward said it will now start the process of appointing a contractor, with a view to starting work on site towards the end of this year. The housing association said it had worked closely with Halton Council to ensure 'the right mix of homes' to meet the needs of local people.

Stephen Heverin, growth and regeneration director at Onward, said: "Our proposals for the Ridgeway reflect our ongoing commitment to improve the quality and choice of affordable housing in Murdishaw; both through investing in the homes we already manage and by creating new, modern homes that meet local demand."

The scheme will deliver apartments available through the government's rent-to-buy scheme, with residents paying a reduced rental rate of around 80 per cent of market rent while they save for a deposit that would eventually enable them to buy the property.

Mr Heverin added: "These latest new homes will help make the dream of home ownership an affordable reality for local people. We look forward to bringing this disused site back into use for the local community and helping more people find a place to call home."

A demolition notice for the church was submitted in 2019. Earlier in
2023, Onward sought advice from the council's planning department about its intentions to build eight, three-bedroomed houses. But it was advised that an apartment scheme may be more acceptable.

Following a public consultation with local residents and businesses in September 2023, a planning application was submitted to Halton Borough Council in the Autumn.