Shops scheme still opposed

A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a new shopping development is to be put to Warrington planners for a third time – still opposed by local people.
The scheme on land at the junction of Stocks Lane and Warrington Road, Penketh was originally given planning consent in January last year.
Early this year, a revised proposal with a larger building with first floor apartments was withdrawn after concerns were expressed about traffic and parking issues and the size of the building.
Now a third version is to be studied by the borough council’s development management committee involving three shops with two apartments on the first floor – but a smaller building.
The scheme has been submitted by developers Folde Properties Ltd.
Seventeen neighbours have lodged objections, along with Penketh Parish Council and borough councillor David Keane.
The objectors are concerned that the development is too big for the site, that there will be insufficient parking space and that it will cause road safety issues.
They say the building would be out of character with the area, obscuring the nearby St Paul’s Church and be much higher than adjacent buildings.
There would be a loss of amenity for residents of Victoria Road and the development would be too close to the existing Crown and Cushion pub.
But planning officers are recommending that the application be approved as it would not have a significantly overbearing impact on the street scene.