Cinema row still not resolved

A ROW over “unsightly” air conditioning units on the roof of Warrington’s 10-screen Odeon Cinema at Westbrook has still to be resolved.
Members of the borough council’s development control committee deferred a decision on an part-retrospective application for 17 units.
They heard 14 nearby residents had objected to the proposal because the new units were larger than those they were to replace.
Six of the units were erected before planning consent was applied for and another 11 have still to be installed.
Councillor decided to visit the site before reaching a decision.
The Odeon says the new units are necessary to carry on operating the cinema in a functional manner as imminent changes in refrigerant gas regulations will mean the gas used in the existing units will no longer be available.
Environmental protection chiefs have raised no objections and planners say because the nearest house is more than 55m from the building it would be difficult to justify refusal.
Existing roof-mounted heating and cooling units are 18-years-old and are operating beyond their anticipated life of 15 years. The new ones save energy, through increased efficiency, and are smaller in volume although about 300mm taller.
Changes in legislation mean that harmful CFC and HCFC ozone depleting gases are being phased out and will no longer be available after 2010.
Planners say the slight increase in the height of the units will have little effect on visual amenity – particularly on a building of modern, functional design.