PLANNERS at Warrington are being urged to throw out proposals to convert farm buildings into a children’s nursery – because its users would rely on car travel as the main means of transport.
This would conflict with the borough council’s sustainable transport priorities, according to planning officers.
The proposal is at Four Topped Oak Farm, Farnworth Road, Cuerdley and would involve the change of use of both traditional and modern farm buildings.
The scheme has the support of borough councillor Paul Campbell (pictured) who argues that in the current economic climate, new businesses should be encouraged.
He says the site is not in a built-up area, has no parking problems and is accessible by public transport.
Officers say while the plan would contribute to the local economy in terms of jobs and would make use of two existing redundant barns, on balance the likely harm outweighs the benefits because the location is remote from any built-up area resulting in undue reliance on car travel.
In addition, there is no clear evidence of a need for a nursery in the area.
The proposals involve a nursery for up to 50 children with overnight accommodation for up to eight children on the first floor.
Nursery would rely on car travel
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
6 Comments
Well it shows where the Councils priorities lie when they are trying to stop the formation of a business on such pathetic grounds. Maybe they should look at their own buildings and see how many of their own staff travel to work by car before scuppering the plans of others.
They didn’t apply these rules when agreeing plans for the nursery on Eagle Brow in Lymm. The resulting dangerous parking is a nightmare for drivers.
So the planners are being urged to thow out plans for a new nursery… but at the same time it has just been announced that the WBC run nursery, based at the Westy SureStart Centre is being closed in March because the council hav no money to run it…. meaning all the parents and carers who currently use it will have to use their cars if/when they manage to find alternative childcare provision elsewhere !?!?
I reckon these people need to go and stand at a nursery and see just how many people take their kids in the car as opposed to any other means, they may get a bit of a shock.
Your post was too long Bill you should have left it at seven words, “I reckon these people need to go”
Your wrong – the facts are that it has been the council keeping this afloat for so few users – maybe a private owner can take this on.