PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have put off a decision on a controversial proposal for a new supermarket on the site of a former petrol filling station.
Members of the borough council’s planning committee decided to defer consideration of plans for the site of the former Rushgreen Service Station, in Rushgreen Road, Lymm after local councillor Sheila Woodyatt called for a site visit.
The committee is now expected to inspect the site on September 12 and the scheme will be considered about four days later.
Cllr Woodyatt said there is serious local concern about the likely 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.
It is estimated that some 86 per cent of Lymm people are currently 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 Rushgreen 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
Planners put off foodstore decision
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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.
