Plans for new homes by The Rose Inn have been turned down

Developers had set their sites on the vacant land, which is currently on the market, next to the Rose Inn pub to the west of Hood Lane South.

They wanted to build a two and three-storey building, within which would be nine one and two-bedroom homes.

The plans also sought permission for access, car parking, landscaping and associated works.

The scheme was submitted by applicant Square One Homes Warrington.

However council planners have blocked the scheme in a critical report.

They say it is out of keeping with the area and would not be 'technically feasible' or meet Government rules on space.

The report concludes: "The proposal would not improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area nor does it comply with the development plan and therefore does not comprise sustainable development.

"There were no conditions which could reasonably have been imposed which could have made the development acceptable and it was therefore not possible to approve the application."

In the initial proposal, the firm says it produces ‘unique and high-quality entry-level market housing aimed at helping a range of homebuyers access housing markets at affordable prices’.

It was reported last month that the land was up for sale, with estate agent Savills ‘open to offers’.

Access to the site would be gained via the current access off Hood Lane adjacent to The Rose Inn, but it will be improved and include designated parking spaces for the pub.