Planners to rule on car sales

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are to rule on a controversial plan to establish a car sales outlet on a busy main road.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee have visited the site of the proposed business on a former United Utilities depot off Chester Road, Walton to carry out an inspection.
Ten nearby residents, Walton Parish Council and borough councillor Paul Kennedy have lodged objections to the scheme.
Residents argue that an existing traffic problem will be made worse – particularly if car transporters are entering and leaving the site.
They believe vehicles turning into the site will cause damage to the retaining wall to the adjacent, Grade 2 Listed Pear Tree Farm.
The residents also fear increase noise, a loss of privacy and security, a loss of green space and damage to wildlife habitats.
Cllr Kennedy has objected on the grounds of increased road safety hazards on a very dangerous section of main road particularly because of drivers slowing and stopping to look at cars for sale.
Walton Parish Council says additional traffic will be dangerous, the display of vehicles and associated signage will distract passing motorists, the use of portable buildings is not appropriate on a site that is already a “blot on the landscape” and valuable trees may be felled.
Planning officers point out that the site has not been used intensively for many years and the narrowness of existing access points limits the amount to which it could be used. But they point out it could be used more intensively without any need for planning permission.