Controversial foodstore plan given green light

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A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a foodstore on the site of a former petrol station at Lymm has been approved by Warrington planners.
Located in Rushgreen Road on the site of the former Rushgreen service station, the proposed store will have a sales area of 6,500 sq ft, parking for 57 cars and could create up to 35 jobs.
Owned by the Brookhouse Group a question mark still hangs over which brand of foodstore will be operating from the site.
Speaking at the meeting local Cllr Ian Marks (pictured right) said: “This is a significant planning proposal and has generated strong views in the village.
“Understandably many of these are from residents who are uneasy or strongly opposed to the application. However many others who have told me they would welcome a store of this nature in Lymm.
“I have considered the issues in some detail and studied the comprehensive report carefully.
“One key issue is traffic and the related topic of parking. There is no question that the road is relatively narrow along Rushgreen Road and that getting out of nearby Fletcher’s Lane and Reddish Crescent is not easy. I am also anxious that there will be no overspill parking onto nearby streets
“But on balance I am persuaded that the overall impact of the supermarket on traffic is acceptable and I am pleased with some of the conditions that have been added on access, visibility and delivery vehicles.”
Cllr Marks said the effect on other traders in the village was finely balanced too.
“There are some interesting arguments in the report from the experts about the effect of different sized supermarkets on village traders.
“I am persuaded that the effect could be beneficial and not detrimental providing there is no serious impact on our anchor store Sainsburys
“A third issue is that of jobs. The new ones to be created are welcome providing of course they don’t lead to a loss elsewhere because of business failures.”
Cllr Marks said another important issue was that of the Green Belt. The village would be up in arms if they thought that development on this site would lead to further development on nearby land and hence loss of green belt.
He added that the site needed improving and there were already enough houses in this part of Lymm.
After the meeting Cllr Marks added, “ I am pleased with the decision to go ahead and believe it is in the best interests of the village. However I am
disappointed the Committee did not take up my proposal for a Section 106 community benefit condition to help fund the shoppers’ bus service.”
Fellow local Cllr Sheila Woodyatt said there was 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 were received from 16 nearby residents, but there was no objection from Lymm Parish Council, on the understanding the proposal does not extended to Green Belt land behind the existing site.
Tom Whitehead, town planning manager at Brookhouse said: “This is a fantastic result and we now look forward to further progressing the proposal, including confirming the operator.
“As well as bringing this derelict land back into use, the store will offer a number of benefits to the local community. The supportive feedback we received highlighted that many residents are looking forward to the prospect of new jobs and greater choice as well as the chance to carry out more of their food shopping in Lymm instead of surrounding towns.”


An artist’s impression of how the foodstore will look


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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.

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