Miller Developments wins planning permission for the first two phases of the £1bn Omega development in Warrington

Miller Developments has finally won planning permission for the £1bn Omega scheme in Warrington in north-west England, following years of wrangling.

The development arm of Miller Group received outline planning permission for the first two phases of the commercial mixed-use 233-ha scheme last week.

The huge scheme has been mired in controversy over possible effects it will have on congestion in the area. The Highways Agency, which opposes the scheme, claims that 80% of workers at the business park are expected to travel in by car.

Miller Development is working with the Royal Bank of Scotland and English Partnerships on the project.

The first two stages of the project will see industrial and distribution development in the north of the site and office accommodation and a hotel to the south.

The scheme has now been referred to the secretary of state for further consideration.

The business park will be developed in phases over 25 years. Construction will start on site in spring 2007.