Planning chiefs are poised to back construction of a nursing home in a Cheshire town which could create more than 50 jobs.

Halton Council's development management committee meets on Monday where it is recommended to support a scheme by Care Developments North West for a  home on the former Greenoaks Farm Industrial Estate, on Warrington Road, Halton View, Widnes.

The privately-run, three-storey facility would specialise in 'end of life and dementia nursing care' and be built on a triangular area of derelict scrub land bounded by residential properties on all three sides on Gregson Road
to the north, Vineyard Way to the west and properties adjacent to the site on
Warrington Road.

If given the go ahead, it would have 60 rooms and employ 53 staff working across three shifts, 24/7. There would also be  24 car parking spaces and 10 cycle spaces on the site. The Isle Of Man based firm behind the plans was originally granted planning permission for a specialist unit for people with autism on the same site back in 2021, but some residents and councillors raised concern at the time about parking.

A report to the committee, said: "The application site provides an opportunity for regeneration as it currently comprises a vacant, derelict, demolished urban site, detracting from the appearance of the surrounding area.

"This is a highly sustainable, brownfield site surrounded by residential development. The proposal is considered to be acceptable and the application is recommended for approval subject to conditions."

The council's planning department is still waiting for updated comments from Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service (MEAS), a body which advises the six Liverpool City Region councils on environmental matters.

The committee is recommended to delegate authority to Halton's director for planning to determine the application - in consultation with he chair and vice chair of the planning committee - once the latest MEAS advice has been received.