Mixed views over proposed village foodstore

RESIDENTS turned out in force to view information on a proposal for a new foodstore on the site of the former Rushgreen Service Station at Lymm.
The exhibition, which took place at the Lymm Youth and Community Centre attracted nearly 400 local people with the majority of those attending, indicating support for the plans.
Located on the derelict site of the former service station on Rushgreen Road, the proposed store would have a sales area of 6,500 sq ft, parking for 57 cars and could create over 35 jobs. The exhibition was organised by the new owners of the site, the Brookhouse Group. Visitors got the chance to speak to the project team including a transport consultant and architect, view visuals of the development and make their views known.
Tom Whitehead, Town Planning Manager at Brookhouse Group said: “We are really pleased that so many members of the local community took the time to visit the exhibition and speak to us about the proposal. Overall, we have been very encouraged by the positive response to the new store.
“A telephone survey of Lymm residents revealed that 85 per cent travel to neighbouring towns to do their main food shop, using the existing village stores simply for ‘top up’ shopping. This proposal is about drawing that trade back to Lymm, increasing local spend, supporting the village economy and creating local jobs.
“People we spoke with are keen to see this prominent eyesore site regenerated. We are now reviewing all of the comments received before we submit our planning application.”
The site owners say that if the application is approved by Warrington Borough Council, construction is likely to start later this year which means the new store could be open in the summer 2015.
But local councillor Sheila Woodyatt (pictured right) said: “A lot of people have expressed serious concerns. It is difficult for me to comment as I am on the Planning Committee but I do have concerns about the adverse impact on the viability of Lymm Village.”
She added : “The site is also adjacent to the last green belt between Lymm and Oughtrington and I think the development will have an adverse impact on the green belt and could set a precedent for further commercial development in the adjacent area.”