DESPITE the unceremonious end of the Northwich Vision, the Winning Winsford scheme is still very much alive and kicking.

The long-awaited first plans have been submitted to redevlop the banks of the River Weaver, signalling the next crucial step of the town’s regeneration.

Manchester based HOW Planning has applied to build 37 homes at a site in New Road currently occupied by the redundant Richmond Packaging industrial buildings.

An outline application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council for the development, which will focus on a mix of traditional family homes on the 0.9 hectar site.

Lauren Ashworth, planner at HOW, said: “The plans for Richmond Packaging will transform what is a redundant site which at present isn’t making any positive contribution to the town into a thriving new community. If planning is granted we believe this residential scheme will kick start further new development in the area as part of the on-going regeneration of Winsford.”

The council Cheshire West and Chester Council took over where the former Vale Royal Borough Council left off in the implementation of the Winning Winsford scheme – which includes the Learning Zone, Winsford Lifestyle Centre, the town-centre revamp.

The £70million waterfront scheme – of which the plans by HOW mark the beginning – will see the River Weaver opened up to become a focal point for the town, with 300 new homes built around New Road and 70 near Town Park.

A 60-bed hotel is proposed, along with new leisure routes for cyclists and walkers, and a selection of riverside commercial projects.

Winsford Town Mayor Clr Nick Harris said he was delighted to see the plans forging ahead despite the recession.

He said: “I really am delighted and glad that it’s got to the stage it has so Winsford can benefit from the development.

“It should bring the town together, the bottom of town used to be the centre before the shops moved so to develop it and have a gateway to the town is something we should be very proud of.

“For five years the town council has been involved in trying to put together a plan that would benefit all of the town in several ways so it is great to see those plans starting to come to fruition. There are a lot of opportunities in Winsford, particularly with the waterfront.”