WARRINGTON is to get its second new community fire station – despite opposition from local councillors and a recommendation from planning officers that permission be refused.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee went against the advice of the officers and approved the scheme on green belt land at the junction of Widnes Road and Marsh Lane, Cuerdley.
But the committee was split right down the middle and the scheme, submitted by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, was only approved on the casting vote of deputy chairman Cllr Jeff Richards.
Penketh Parish Council objected to the proposals – plus borough councillors David Keane, Linda Dirir and Andy Heaver.
The previous month, the committee approved plans for a similar community fire station at Lymm.
Fire Service chiefs say Penketh is a relative “hot spot” for emergency calls and existing fire stations at Warrington and Widnes were unable to consistently and reliably meet a 10-minute response time in the Penketh area.
Officers claimed the development would cause a demonstrable harm to the green belt and result in urbanisation of an area which had a rural setting.
The councillors who opposed the plan stressed they supported the provision of a fire station but questioned the location in the green belt.
Cllr Heaver suggested the Fiddlers Ferry Power Station would be suitable location, already complete with the required infrastructure of traffic lights.. He pointed out that although there would be only two bays for fire engines a third bay was proposed for an ambulance.
Consultation with local residents was inadequate and nothing more than a PR exercise.
Cllr Bob Barr (pictured) proposed that the plan be approved. He said he understood the reasons for local councillors’ opposition but felt there was an over-riding need for the fire station.
At present the site was little more than a dumping ground on the edge of the Fiddler’s Ferry Golf Course. He believed the landscaping that accompanied the scheme would improve the appearance of the area.
The meeting was told the scheme was supported by borough council leader Cllr Terry O’Neill.
Fire station plan approved – despite objections
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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.
