COUNCILLORS are to visit the site of a proposed five-storey office block in Warrington after hearing complaints it would be “massive and visually intrusive.”
Members of the borough’s planning sub-committee decided they would inspect the site in Stanley Street, adjoining the existing telephone exchange building.
They were warned the new building would dwarf an adjoining attractive Grade 2 listed Georgian terrace.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved.
Commercial property developers Chesro Ltd have submitted an outline proposal only and say they would submit detailed proposals at a later stage.
But illustrative plans indicate a flat roofed building of contemporary design, mainly glazed on its two main frontages.
The rear would be hidden from view by the telephone exchange.
At present the site is used as a car park and it believed to have previously been a domesric
Planners say the site appears to be currently used as a car park, although this use is unauthorised. It was previously owned by the borough council and was then landscaped open space.
Occupiers of business premises in Stanley Street believe the scheme would result in damage to existing mature trees.
Planning officers acknowledge the proposed building would be of greater massing than the Listed terrace but say it will help to mask the telephone exchange, which they describe as an unattractive mid-20th century building.
