Land off Cronton Lane
Welcome to our consultation for Land off Cronton Lane
Welcome
Thank you for visiting our consultation website for land at Cronton Lane.
Our local community consultation presents an emerging vision for the site, which aims to create a new sustainable and inclusive neighbourhood for Widnes in conjunction with improved sports facilities.
The proposals extend far beyond the delivery of new housing. The development would create a thriving, community that supports health, wellbeing and local prosperity.
At the heart of the proposals is the rejuvenation of the disused former JLR Sports and Social Club. Our vision is to bring this building back into active use for the community as a flexible, modern hub for sport, social activities, community use and wellbeing.
Please explore this website to learn more about our emerging proposals and share your views.
Why Your Input Matters
Plans for land at Cronton Lane are at an early stage, providing an important opportunity for the local community to help shape the proposals before they are submitted to Halton Borough Council.
Bloor Homes is committed to delivering a new neighbourhood that responds to local priorities. Feedback gathered through this consultation will be carefully reviewed by the project team and will help inform the final plans.
Our consultation has now closed. You can still view the plans on this website or get in touch with the team using the details at the bottom of this page.
The Site
The site is located off Cronton Lane in Widnes, close to existing homes, local facilities and green spaces.
Close to local services
Future residents would be within walking distance of Lunts Heath centre, where they can access local shops and services.
The site is also close to a range of education facilities, including Cronton Sixth Form College and nearby local primary schools.
Well connected
With public transport options nearby, the site is well connected to Widnes Town Centre, with wider links to Liverpool, Warrington and St Helens.
Access to green spaces
The surrounding area benefits from a strong green infrastructure network. Pex Hill Country Park lies to the west, open countryside sits to the north, and local green spaces including Wilmere Lane Playing Fields and Birchfields Gardens are within walking distance.
New Sports Provision and Clubhouse
In November 2025, Bloor Homes acquired the former Jaguar Land Rover site. As part of the proposals for Cronton Lane, Bloor Homes is seeking to rejuvenate the site, bringing it back into active community use.
Designed around local sporting need
Bloor Homes appointed specialist sports consultants to ensure the facilities respond to genuine local demand. This work included engagement with Halton Council, national sports bodies and local clubs, including the Rugby Football League, the Football Foundation, Merseyside FA, British Crown Green Bowls Association, Pex Hill JFC, Widnes Moorfield Tigers, Widnes St Maries, Widnes Vikings Community Foundation, Halton Farnworth Hornets and representatives of the former JLR Bowls Club.
The proposals include:
- A flexible full-size grass pitch for rugby league and football
- Training areas and space for smaller-sided games
- A floodlit all-weather bowling green
- A new purpose-built clubhouse with changing rooms and community space
Working with community partners
Bloor Homes is pleased to be working with the Rugby Football League and RFL Community Trust to help deliver modern, inclusive sports facilities at Cronton Lane. As the official foundation of the Rugby Football League, the RFL Community Trust works to create benefits through sport, physical activity and participation. Its involvement will help ensure the facilities are accessible and inclusive, supporting a range of local sporting and community needs for people of all ages and abilities.
Together, these plans would create a new hub for sport and community activity in Widnes, building on the site’s existing legacy while providing locally accessible facilities for residents to enjoy.
Local Housing Needs
Future Planned Growth
Halton’s Delivery and Allocations Local Plan was adopted in March 2022. It guides where new development should happen and how the Borough should grow.
At present, Halton’s housing requirement is based on delivering 350 homes a year. From spring 2027, this requirement is expected to increase to 482 homes a year. This represents an increase of 132 homes each year and means that additional housing sites will be needed to help meet the Borough’s future housing needs.
Where a local planning authority cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the Borough can become more vulnerable to speculative planning applications. These are sites that have not been identified through the plan-led process. Ensuring a supply of housing can help maintain greater control over how and where development takes place.
What is safeguarded land?
Safeguarded land is land set aside to help meet future development needs.
These sites have already been tested through the Local Plan process and are considered suitable to help provide future homes.
Our proposals are on safeguarded land. Bringing this site forward would help ensure new homes are delivered in a planned way and reduce pressure to build on less suitable sites.
Our Emerging Masterplan
Around 1.5 hectares of green spaces throughout the site, walking routes, a central pond, areas open space and opportunities for residents to enjoy nature close to home.
Improved walking and cycling connections, including links to existing public footpaths around the site and connections towards Cronton Lane, Norland’s Lane and nearby green spaces.
Well connected to other local places and facilities including Lunts Heath, Widnes Town Centre, Pex Hill Country Park, Wilmere Lane Playing Fields and Birchfields Gardens.
A landscape-led design, with new planting, retained natural features and landscape buffers to integrate the proposals into the surrounding area.
Job creation during construction phases and operation of the former JLR site providing opportunities for local people.
Rejuvenation of the former JLR site, working with the Rugby Football League and RFL Community Trust to bring a much-loved local asset back into active use as a modern hub for sport, physical activity and community use.
Around 450 new homes, offering a mix of house types and tenures to meet a range of local needs including around 112 affordable homes.
Creating new green spaces and habitats for local plants and animals, through 3 areas of naturalistic green space to the north of the site, supporting local wildlife.
Key Benefits
Delivering much-needed homes
The proposals would deliver around 450 new homes, including around 111 affordable homes. Our vision is to deliver a mix of house types and tenures to help support the needs of the whole community.
Bringing the former JLR site back into use
The former JLR Sports and Social Club site would be brought back into active community use as a modern sports hub for Widnes, with facilities for rugby league, football, bowls and community activity.
Creating a landscape-led neighbourhood
The masterplan is shaped by existing trees, hedgerows, ponds and green boundaries. New planting and landscape buffers will help to soften the development impacts in the context of surrounding area.
Improving walking and cycling routes
New and improved routes would help connect the site with Cronton Lane, Norlands Lane, Queensbury Way, Pex Hill Country Park and nearby public rights of way.
Supporting the local economy
The proposals would support jobs during construction and create longer-term opportunities through the operation and management of the new sports facilities. Bloor Homes has links with Riverside College that will provide work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.
Improving local wildlife diversity
Creating 1.3 hectares of new integrated green spaces throughout and habitats for local plants and animals throughout the development, with a new 3-hectare ecological area to the north of the site.
Key Considerations
Transport and Movement
A full Transport Assessment is being prepared to understand existing local traffic conditions, road safety, school peak-time pressures, walking and cycling routes, and public transport connections. This work will help identify the improvements needed to support safe and efficient movement through and around the site.
The site is already well connected by nearby bus services, public footpaths and local facilities. The proposals aim to build on these existing connections by improving walking and cycling links to Cronton Lane, Norlands Lane and nearby green spaces, helping future residents access local services without relying solely on the car.
We understand that sixth form drop-off and pick-up times are a particular pressure point for the local community. As part of the proposed mitigation measures, a new bus lay-by would allow buses to stop safely off the carriageway and help keep traffic moving. A new toucan crossing opposite the College would also make it safer and easier for people to cross Cronton Lane on foot or by bike.
Vehicular Access
We understand that access and traffic are important considerations for local residents. The proposed access arrangements have therefore been carefully designed to manage forecast traffic levels and help all road users move safely and efficiently.
Two access points are proposed to help distribute vehicle movements along Cronton Lane. The main access would be signalised, helping to manage movements at busy times. It would also include dedicated facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting safer journeys on foot and by bike.
A second access would be provided further east, using the existing entrance to the former JLR Sports and Social Club site. This would help spread traffic more effectively providing convenient access to the new homes and sports facilities.
Additional provision is proposed for emergency access towards the north-east of the site, helping to ensure safe and effective access via Norlands Park.
Nature, landscaping and Green Spaces
Our proposals have be shaped by a landscape-led design, with careful consideration given to existing trees, hedgerows, ponds, wildlife habitats and proximity to valued green space nearby.
The site layout allocates around 1.5 hectares of public open space, with walking routes, seating, play areas and new planting for residents and the wider community to enjoy.
Further natural green spaces would be created around retained trees, ponds and drainage features. As part of this, a new 3-hectare ecological area is proposed to the north of the site which will provide opportunities for new wildlife and deliver a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain.
An Inclusive Community Sports Club
A central part of the proposals is the creation of new sports facilities at the former JLR site.
The plans include a flexible full-size grass pitch for rugby league, football, training areas, a floodlit all-weather bowling green and a new purpose-built clubhouse with changing rooms and community space. The facility would be designed to support local clubs and wider community use.
The proposals would build on the site’s proud sporting legacy by creating modern, accessible facilities for the future, with football and bowls use protected through community use agreements.
FAQs
Q: What is being proposed?
A: Bloor Homes is preparing proposals for land off Cronton Lane in Lunts Heath, Widnes. The emerging plans include around 450 new homes, including around 112 affordable homes, new green spaces, improved walking and cycling links, and the rejuvenation of the former Jaguar Land Rover Sports and Social Club site as a new community sports hub.
The proposals are still being developed, and feedback from the local community will help shape the plans before a planning application is submitted to Halton Borough Council.
Q: How many homes are proposed?
A: The proposals include around 450 new homes. The exact mix of homes will be confirmed as the plans progress and will be shaped by local housing need, planning policy and feedback from the consultation.
Q: Will affordable homes be included?
A: Yes. The proposals include around 112 affordable homes, helping to provide more opportunities for local people and families to access good-quality homes in the area.
Q: What is safeguarded land?
A: Local councils are required to identify land for the development of new homes into the future. Safeguarded land has been specifically set aside by the Halton Council in order to meet future housing needs for the area.
Q: What will happen to the former JLR Sports and Social Club?
A: A key part of the proposals is to bring the former JLR Sports and Social Club site back into active community use.
The emerging plans include new sports facilities and a purpose-built clubhouse, creating a modern sports hub for Widnes. The aim is to build on the site’s sporting legacy while providing facilities that meet current local needs.
Q: What facilities are proposed at the new Sports and Social Club?
A:
The proposals include a flexible full-size grass pitch for rugby league and football, training areas and space for smaller-sided games, a floodlit all-weather bowling green, and a new pavilion with changing rooms and community space.
The facilities have been shaped through discussions with local clubs, Halton Borough Council, national sports bodies and specialist sports consultants, helping to make sure the proposals respond to local demand.
Q: Will local sports teams be able to use the new facilities?
A: Yes. The purpose of the new sports hub is to support local sport and community use.
The facilities are expected to support rugby league, football and bowls, while also being available for wider community use. The site would be managed to make sure access is coordinated and the facilities are used effectively.
Q: Who will manage the sports facilities once they are built?
A: The Rugby Football League is proposed to manage the site day to day. This would include programming, maintenance, community access and the operation of the sports facilities.
Football and bowls use would be protected through community use agreements, helping to make sure the site remains a genuinely multi-sport facility.
Q: How will nature and green space be protected?
A: We recognise that nature is particularly important to the local community. The proposals are being shaped by a landscape-led approach, with green spaces throughout the site, landscape buffers, new planting, and the retention and enhancement of natural features where possible.
Q: Will the proposals deliver biodiversity net gain?
A: Yes. The proposals will deliver a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain through new planting, habitat creation and the enhancement of existing natural features, helping wildlife to thrive alongside new green spaces.
Q: What green spaces will be provided?
A: Green spaces will be provided throughout the site, including landscaped areas, walking routes, informal recreation space and play opportunities. These spaces will support wellbeing, encourage outdoor activity and create attractive places for the community to enjoy.
Q: How will the site be accessed?
A: Two access points are proposed from Cronton Lane.
The main access would be signalised with dedicated facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. A second access would be provided further east, using the existing entrance to the former JLR Sports and Social Club site.
Q: How will drop-off and pick-up traffic at Cronton Sixth Form College be managed?
A: The access proposals include measures designed to improve safety and coordination around busy periods. These include a new toucan crossing opposite the Sixth Form College, helping pedestrians and cyclists cross Cronton Lane safely, and a new eastbound bus lay-by with space for two buses. This would allow buses to stop safely off the carriageway.
Q: What about traffic and road safety?
A: A Transport Assessment is being prepared to consider local highway conditions, traffic movements and road safety. This work will identify any mitigation measures or improvements needed to support safe and efficient access to and from the site.
Q: Will walking and cycling routes be improved?
A: Yes. The proposals will include active travel routes designed to connect with existing footpaths, local facilities and nearby green spaces. This will help reduce reliance on cars for shorter journeys and support healthier, more sustainable travel choices.
Q: What will happen to existing public footpaths?
A: Existing public footpath connections around the site will be carefully considered as part of the masterplan. The aim is to retain and enhance walking connections where possible, improving access through and around the site.
Q: What will the homes look like, and will they fit in with the local area?
A: The new homes will be designed to create an attractive neighbourhood with its own character, while fitting comfortably with the surrounding area.
The design will take inspiration from local homes, with features such as pitched roofs, brick and rendered walls, brick detailing, landscaped front gardens and varied rooflines. A mix of materials, roof tile colours and feature details will add interest and individuality across the development.
Q: What green spaces will be provided?
A: The proposals include around 1.3 hectares of public open space, about the size of two full-size football pitches. This would include walking routes, seating, play areas and new planting for residents and the wider community to enjoy.
Additionally, to the north of the site, 3 hectares of naturalistic green space is planned to support local biodiversity and wildlife.
To the north of the site, beyond the existing bridleway, a further 3-hectare ecological area is proposed to help local wildlife thrive.
Q: How will drainage and flood risk be managed?
A: A drainage strategy is being prepared to ensure surface water is managed safely and sustainably. Sustainable drainage features will be integrated into the landscape where possible, with further details provided as part of the planning application.
Q: Will there be disruption during construction?
A: Construction impacts will be carefully managed through a Construction Environmental Management Plan, which would set out measures to control working hours, traffic movements, noise, dust and site access during the construction period.
Q: Can I speak to the project team in person?
A: Yes. A public consultation event will be held on Thursday 11th June at The Hillcrest Hotel, 75 Cronton Lane, Widnes, WA8 9AR. The event will be open to the public from 3:30pm to 7:30pm, giving local residents the opportunity to view the proposals, speak to members of the project team and share their feedback.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: Feedback from this consultation will be reviewed by the project team and used to help refine the proposals. A planning application will then be submitted to Halton Borough Council. The Council will carry out its own statutory consultation before determining the application.
Q: How can I provide feedback?
A: You can share your views by completing a feedback form online or at the in-person exhibition event. You can also contact the project team by email, call the community information line, or write to us free of charge using the consultation Freepost address.
All feedback will be considered, reviewed and responded to in our Statement of Community Involvement which will be submitted to Halton Borough Council as part of the planning application.
Virtual Exhibition
Virtual exhibition to be uploaded soon
Have your Say
Feedback Form
Thank you for taking the time to view our emerging proposals for new homes and a new Sports Hub at land off Cronton Lane.
We would like to hear your views on the masterplan vision, including new homes, green spaces, active travel routes and the revitalisation of the former JLR site.
Please share your feedback by Wednesday 17th June so it can be considered as the plans are refined.
Get in Touch
We want to hear your views on the emerging proposals for land off Cronton Lane.
You can share your comments, questions or feedback by:
- Emailing the project team with your comments, questions or feedback at: crontonlaneconsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk
- Calling the community information line on 0333 358 0502: Lines are open (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm.)
- Writing to us free of charge at: FREEPOST SHAPE TOMORROW
Hard copies of consultation materials are available on request by telephone.
All feedback received will be reviewed by the project team and considered as the proposals are refined. A summary of the consultation feedback will be included in a Statement of Community Involvement, which will be submitted to Halton Borough Council alongside the planning application.
About Bloor Homes
Bloor Homes was established in 1969 by our Chair and founder, John Bloor OBE. We remain a privately owned business with a proud history of building quality homes and are committed to delivering homes and communities with a focus on quality, design and place making, ensuring that high standards are maintained more than 55 years later.
Our dedicated team, from planners and designers to tradespeople and customer service professionals, is committed to creating well-designed, high-quality homes. This commitment has earned us a 5-star Home Builders Federation rating for seven consecutive years, and over 98% of our homeowners would recommend us to family and friends.
As a financially independent and family-owned business, we bring national expertise with regional knowledge. We have a proven track record in delivering strategic land and work in partnership with landowners and councils. Our focus on locally distinctive placemaking and community engagement ensures that we build homes that contribute positively to the areas we serve. We value long-term relationships and are dedicated to creating lasting legacies through our developments.
About the Rugby Football League Community Trust
The Rugby Football League (RFL) is the national governing body for professional and amateur Rugby League in England.
The RFL Community Trust is the Official Foundation of the RFL, established to help further the sport’s social impact goals and build on Rugby League’s proud history as a sport rooted in its communities.
The Trust works to create lasting social value by helping more people get active, supporting health and wellbeing, promoting inclusion, and removing barriers that can prevent people from taking part in sport and physical activity.
Through facilities, activities, support and services centred around Rugby League, the RFL Community Trust uses the power of sport to deliver positive change beyond the pitch.
Bloor Homes is committed to protecting your personal data. The information you provide in this feedback form will be used solely for the purpose of analysing community views on Land off Cronton Lane.
Your responses will be anonymised when reported and included within a Statement of Community Involvement submitted to the Local Planning Authority. Personal details (such as name, postcode, or email address) will not be shared publicly.
If you choose to provide your contact details, these will only be used to keep you informed about the progress of the proposals. You can opt out of updates at any time by contacting us at crontonlaneconsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk.
All data will be stored securely in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. By submitting this form, you consent to your information being used in this way.