Car sales plan thrown out

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.