Planners to visit shops site

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are to visit the site of a proposed mini-shopping centre after hearing of the worries of local residents.
People living near the site, at the junction of Stocks Lane and Warrington Road, Penketh believe the development – of three new retail units – could worsen an already parking problem and lead to severe traffic congestion.
Local councillor David Keane also opposed the scheme and Penketh Parish Council have expressed concern.
Thirteen nearby residents say there is already a shortage of parking in the area leading to severe traffic congestion.
They claim the building would be out of character with the area and would amount to over-development of the site. They believed the site should be used as a car park.
Cllr Keane said the proposed development would be too large and would limit highway visibility at a site which was already dangerous. There are already retail businesses nearby which suffer from a lack of parking.
The parish council says there would be insufficient parking spaces for three shops and sought assurances that takeaway shops would not be allowed on the site.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme, submitted by Mr Alan Thwaites, should be approved.
They say the development is of appropriate size and consistent with the mixed character of the area. They believe parking proposals, for 10 cars, are adequate.