Housebuilder Countryside has been granted planning permission to build 500 homes at Spectra Park in Warrington

The mixed-tenure development, which will be named Rivers Edge, will comprise 413 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and 100 apartments, 10% of which will be allocated for affordable housing through a registered partner.

Rivers Edge will mark a major investment by the developer in the town, which is also home to both Countryside offices and their modular panel factory.

Located within Inner Warrington across a total of 38.7 acres, the Rivers Edge development site borders the River Mersey and will provide commuters with a short, 10-minute walk to Warrington Bank Quay Train Station.

As part of its Section 106 agreement with the planning authority, Countryside has pledged to invest £100,000 in local health services and contribute £300,000 towards transport and education.

With the first homes expected to be available for sale from early summer, the planning announcement follows a busy 12 months for the Countryside team as increasing numbers of buyers continue to seek out new homes across Merseyside.