A CONTROVERSIAL plan to establish a car sales outlet on a busy main road has been thrown out by Warrington planners.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee refused permission for a change of use of a former United Utilities depot off Chester Road, Walton – against the advice of planning officers.
They decided the development would create traffic hazards on Chester Road.Ten nearby residents, Walton Parish Council and borough councillor Paul Kennedy (pictured) had lodged objections to the scheme.
Residents argued that an existing traffic problem would be made worse – particularly if car transporters were entering and leaving the site.
They believed vehicles turning into the site will cause damage to the retaining wall to the adjacent, Grade 2 Listed Pear Tree Farm.
The residents also feared increased noise, a loss of privacy and security, a loss of green space and damage to wildlife habitats.
Cllr Kennedy 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 argued that additional traffic would be dangerous, the display of vehicles and associated signage would distract passing motorists, the use of portable buildings was not appropriate on a site that was already a “blot on the landscape” and valuable trees might be felled.
Planning officers pointed out that the site had not been used intensively for many years and the narrowness of existing access points limited the amount to which it could be used.
But they pointed out it could be used more intensively without any need for planning consent.
Car sales plan thrown out
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I was absent for this planning meeting but I am pleased with the decision taken. I agree with Paul Kennedy who is the local ward Borough Councillor and knows the area well. Traffic is fast flowing and often continuous. When I did my site visit in preparation for the original planning committee date for this application it took me many minutes and a lot of care to simply cross the road. I was amazed how busy that section of the road is.
I remember the days when I used to collect the mini bus for the blind from the Solvay car park where it was parked overnight on Taylor Street. This is not far away from the site and on the other side of the canal road bridge. It used to take time and care to get out in the morning and even more when I was returning after dropping my last passenger off in Stockton Heath and approaching via Ellsmere and/or Walton New Road.
could have put traffic lights up….. the council have blighted the town with them everywhere else that they aren’t needed