A MAJOR development plan covering more than 125 acres of land straddling Warrington’s boundary with Cheshire East involving the former Stretton airfield comes before Warrington planners next week – attracting strenuous opposition.
The scheme involves an underground car storage facility with capacity for 118 vehicles, two storey office development and landscaping on the former Stretton airfield site at Appleton.
Objections have been lodged by Appleton Parish Council, Antrobus Parish Council, High Legh Parish Council and Appleton Thorn Village Hall.
In addition, there are 15 objections from people living near to the airfield in Crowley, Antrobus and Appleton Thorn.
Warrington’s environmental protection service, while not objecting, has expressed concern at the possible future use of the former airfield’s runway for vehicle testing or speed testing which could increase noise levels.
The application, by Hensmill Property, proposes a two-storey subterranean storage and display facility for a private collection of specialist cars and a two-storey above-ground office building, security lodge, etc. The facility would not be open to the public.
According to the applicants, the office building will be a “fascinating example of 21st century architecture.”
In addition, 10 acres of grassland and two and-a-half acres of woodland will be created, along with seven wildlife ponds
The site has been chosen for its privacy and security and there is no intention to operate it as a race track. Existing areas of hardstanding would be used for testing some of the vehicles to ensure they work properly before they are taken out on public highways.
The offices will be used by staff researching and sourcing new cars and liaising with specialist dealers across the country.
Objectors say the scheme will have a harmful impact on the Green Belt and could cause traffic and noise problems, as well as harm to wildlife.
If the development is to proceed, planning permission will be required from both Warrington and Cheshire East councils.
A MAJOR development plan covering more than 125 acres of land straddling
Warrington’s boundary with Cheshire East involving the former Stretton airfield comes before Warrington planners
next week – attracting strenuous opposition.
Objectors line-up against former airfield plan
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
