Beauty spot cafe rejected

PLANNING chiefs have thrown out controversial proposals for a café and leisure facility on land adjoining local beauty spot Appleton Reservoir.
Members of Warrington’s planning committee turned down an application for the single-storey building on land adjoining the Grade 2 Listed Daintith Farm, off Park Lane.
The scheme was supported by Warrington Anglers Association and Warrington Amateur Triathlon Club, who both believed it would provide a much needed facility for their members, and by Dave Thompson, founder of Warrington Disability Partnership, on the grounds the café would provide employment for disabled people.
Planning officers also recommended the scheme be approved because it would benefit the area’s visitor and tourism economy.
But Appleton Parish Council opposed the scheme on the grounds it would be an inappropriate development in the Green Belt – and members of the committee agreed.
The café would have included toilets and parking for eight cars and eight cycles.
Appleton Reservoir is used by anglers, bird watchers, joggers and walkers. It is a SINC – a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation – and a popular beauty spot.
Nearby residents, who also lodged objections, feared increased car parking problems, noise, air pollution and the loss of wildlife habitats such as trees and hedges.
Planning officers argued there was evidence of the site being used before, as there was existing hardstanding, which meant it was brownfield land. The development would not significantly encroach into the Green Belt, they said.