A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a new supermarket on the site of a former petrol filling station is to be put to Warrington planning chiefs – with a recommendation from officers that it be approved.
The outline scheme, drawn up by developers Brookhouse (Manchester) Ltd, involves the site of the former Rushgreen Service Station, in Rushgreen Road, Lymm – now currently being used as a car wash.
It has been referred to the borough council’s planning committee by Cllr Sheila Woodyatt, who says there is serious local concern about the detrimental effect of the scheme on the rural character of the area, likely increases in traffic and the potential to damage the viability of Lymm village centre.
Objections have been received from 16 nearby residents, but there is no objection from Lymm Parish Council, on the understanding the proposal is not extended to Green Belt land behind the existing site.
The objectors say the store would have a very large footprint – equating to around 20 per cent of the entire retail floorspace in Lymm. Its modern appearance would be out-of-keeping with the local area and its parking allocation would exceed that of the main Lymm car park.
They warn the impact of the new store could damage the viability of the village centre, with many local businesses threatened, including chemists, opticians, florists, newsagents and post offices.
But although the new store would be larger than existing convenience stores in and around the village, it would not be big enough to prevent the significant outflow of expenditure to Warrington, Stockton Heath and Altrincham.
Some 86 per cent of Lymm people are currently estimated to carry out their main food shop of the week outside the village.
Officers say the proposals are acceptable in principle and, as the existing buildings on the site have no aesthetic merit, could improve the character and appearance of Rush Green Road. The equivalent of 35 full-time jobs would be created.
A reduction in car travel to shopping locations in Stockton Heath and Warrington town centre would have a positive impact on sustainable travel patterns.
They recommend the scheme be approved, subject to conditions to safeguard the amenities of nearby residents.
Picture: an artist’s impression of the supermarket
Controversial supermarket plan looks set to go ahead
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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.
