A PLAN to replace a shopping centre car park at Culcheth with a mixed-use commercial and residential development has been submitted to Warrington Borough Council planners.
The proposals by Shavit Haminim Capital Limited involve replacing the existing CPS car parking area at the junction of Jackson Avenue and Common Lane with a two-storey mixed-use building consisting of commercial units at ground floor level and three residential units at first-floor level, new public realm and ancillary works.
The existing area contains 22 car parking spaces, two of which are designated for disabled users. The existing vehicle route allows vehicles to enter from Common Lane and exit onto Jackson Lane.
The Proposed Development would require the removal of all of the 22 car parking spaces. In their place would be a two-storey building. The building line on to Common Lane would correspond with the existing eastern extent of the Sainsburys Supermarket. On the Jackson Avenue frontage, the building line would respond to the extent of the existing building, the furthest extent of which is the entrance to the solicitors.
The southern and eastern extent of the proposed building would reflect the existing commercial units that front onto the car parking area. The building would be sited to allow for a pedestrian walkway between the Proposed Development and these existing commercial units. The proposed walkway would be approximately 8.3m at its widest point. The route would be well landscaped with areas of soft landscaping and trees. The intention is for a public space for people to interact, and benches would be provided.
At the ground floor level would be two Class E-commercial units. Unit A would be 108 sqm in area and have frontages onto Jackson Avenue and Common Lane, as well as the newly created walkway. Unit B would be 66sqm in area and would have one frontage onto Jackson Avenue and two onto the pedestrian walkway. Between the two units on the Jackson Avenue elevation, there would be a bin store
At first floor level there would be three residential units accessed from a central hallway. Unit 1 would be a 1 bedroom 2 person (1B2P) unit measuring 51sqm. It would be dual aspect with a balcony measuring 5sqm. Unit 2 would be a 1B2P unit measuring 50sqm. It would be triple aspect and have two balconies of 5sqm and 3sqm. Unit 3 would be a 2B3P unit measuring 75sqm.
Whilst the Council considered that the scheme presented at the pre-application stage would detrimentally affect the vitality and viability of the Culcheth Village Neighbourhood Centre this is disagreed with by the applicant.
They say the loss of car parking has been demonstrated to not cause a problem for those wishing to use the existing car parks.
They also say the Local Plan seeks to reduce dependence on car use anyway, and there is public transport access to the CPS Centre, adding that the new public space would enhance the existing CPS Centre rather than detract from it by creating a space for people to walk and sit.
The application is pending consideration by Warrington Borough Council planners.
10 Comments
It’s hard enough finding parking spaces in Culcheth at the best of times but taking away more spaces to put up a building that will hamper the existing businesses there is just ludicrous.
More building space to go alongside the rest of the empty buildings in the area….. Would be better off building a KFC there….
The lack of parking already in Culcheth is a major issue. The new yet to built housing development opposite the High School is only going to add to these issues. As for adding more commercial premises seems illogical as at least 4 units in the existing building are currently vacant. Given that the car park on the Green in the centre of Culcheth cannot be extended because of restrictions set by the Lithgoe family that donated it to the village, where is the necessary replacement parking going to come from ???
I am angry as Culcheth is a popular shopping area for the whole village, we need all current parking spaces.
I Live in Lowton and I often pop into Culcheth to Sainsbury’s and the little shopping centre above.
Why take away vital services..?
Making Culcheth a dormitory just like Lowton has been for years, with no decent shopping area..!
Total madness, on Jackson avenue side of Culcheth you have two very large doctors surgeries, a nursing home also a community centre and shops, all need parking spaces. It is a nightmare trying to park in Culcheth. The council should turn this application down, just greedy people who never have enough, do these people ever visit Culcheth and support the local shops. Don’t think so.
Well i see the same 2 cars parked opposite this car park full on the pavement!,surrounded by DOUBLE YELLOW LINES, I think the traffic warden needs to book these repeat offenders!, so dont think this car park be missed because some certain people who own a business close by think they can park where they want to and the rest of the public have to PAY to park their car
This is the most ridiculous scheme I’ve ever heard of . I’m no longer able to walk into the village for health reasons so my husband has to bring me .To suggest that we should walk in is just a stupid generalisation by someone who probably drives everywhere in a posh car paid for with money earned from ridiculous schemes like this one .At busy times there’s nowhere to park in Culcheth and this scheme is going to make matters far worse .It’s all about money again and some folk will go to any lengths to make more and more regardless of any inconvenience to the locals . Well I suggest that this stupid scheme is out straight in the bin as we don’t want it in Culcheth !
could do with a decent road side cafe in that CPS centre whats easily accessible and reasonably priced, so bring on this NEW BUILD, build it and they will come
There are FOUR very decent cafes in the centre of the village already!