Business park expansion
sparks strong opposition
by Lesley Wilkinson
PROPOSED major extensions to a Warrington business park which would effectively double its size have triggered strong objections.
Great Sankey Parish Council says extending the Lingley Mere Business Park development in Lingley Green Avenue will mean a large increase in traffic and have an adverse effect on road surface.
Members say the application would double the size of the business park, and adds to the concerns they have already expressed about the adjoining Omega Business Park.
The outline application is for an extension comprising 20,093 square metres of offices and 980 car parking spaces. Planners are recommending it be approved.
They say the application is to revise an earlier planning permission to extend the development beyond the approved boundary. It would have the same amount of floor-space to be accommodated in a number of buildings of lower height rather than a single four-storey high building as originally envisaged.
A report to the committee states: “Two and three storey development is proposed, The scheme would provide a range of buildings and plot sizes so as to offer maximum appeal to both local companies and new investors in Warrington.”
Planners say the extra 480 parking spaces, added since the original application, will enable the total level of parking across the whole of the Omega South development to be at an appropriate level.
The development would offer offices, light and general industry, warehousing and laboratories/research and development uses.
[BCollege dancing workshop[/B]
DANCE students from Warrington’s Priestly College had the chance to work with professionals when they took part in a workshop at the town centre Pyramid Centre.
A Level students worked with the Leeds based company Ascendance, who were performing a series of shows at the venue.
They worked with dancer Carys Osborne who taught them a range of contemporary dance techniques that were performed as a piece at the end of the workshop.
The students enjoyed their sessions. One student, Sophie Cowap, said: “I learned a lot from the workshop and found that it inspired me to attempt to join a similar company to Ascendance.”
Another student Michelle Hog added: “I had a really fun time at the Pyramid. The group work was something special, as was being able to choreograph some new pieces of dance.”
Businessman loses
farmhouse appeal
by David Skentelbery
MILLIONAIRE businessman John Bryan has lost an appeal against Warrington Borough Council’s decision to refuse planning consent for a farmhouse on land off Firs Lane and Park Lane, Appleton.
A planning inspector has thrown out his appeal on several grounds following an inquiry earlier in the year.
The main ground for refusal was that the plan was contrary to Government guidance that an agricultural operation needs to be established for at least three years, to be profitable and likely to remain so, before an associated permanent dwelling can be erected.
Within the first three years, living accommodation should be provided by a temporary structure.
Mr Bryan had argued that his medical condition prevented him from living in a caravan, but the inspector rejected this argument.
He also rejected Mr Bryan’s claim that the refusal breached his human rights, pointing out that the wider public interest took precedence over this.
The proposed house, he added, would be much larger than what would be needed for the agricultural enterprise.
Appleton Parish Council had opposed the scheme, describing the proposed house as “grandiose” and “pretentious.”
Borough planners said the proposed farmhouse would be “clearly more elaborate than often found.” Eleven years ago, Mr Bryan was forced to demolish three “barns” he built at Dark Lane, Higher Whitley after planners decided they were, in fact, dwellings.
He took the matter to the High Court and, eventually, to the European Court, but lost a battle estimated to have cost him ?100,000.
Ancient mossland
to be preserved?
by John Hendon
A SMALL piece of ancient mossland at Warrington looks set to be preserved for future generations.
Burtonwood Moss has already been designated as a site of importance for nature conservation in recognition of its importance.
Now Town Hall chiefs are being asked to declare the site a local nature reserve, as part of the larger Colliers Moss Common local nature reserve in St Helens.
Warrington currently has just two local nature reserves (LNRs) – Rixton Clay Pits and Risley Moss. But a number of others are being considered for designation over the next three years, including Burtonwood Nature Reserve, Paddington Meadows, The Dingle at Appleton and Lymm Dam.
Three other sites have been identified as longer-term candidates, Bewsey Tip, the St Helens Canal and The Twiggeries in Fairfield and Howley.
Colliers Moss Common was created on the spoil and waste from Bold Colliery and Bold Power Station. It is now an area of more than 130 hectares available for the public to use.
Burtonwood Moss – which is within Warrington borough – falls within the area and in order for the whole area to be designated an LNR, it is necessary for Warrington to declare the smaller mossland area an LNR as well.
It is hoped the designation of the whole area can be completed by January with a public launch in the Spring.
Officers believe the other Warrington LNRs can be designated in the period 2005-2010.
Smokers to be rewarded
for kicking the habit
by staff reporter
SMOKERS in Warrington are to be rewarded for giving up the habit.
Warrington Primary Care Trust’s Stop Smoking Service has teamed up with the Reach for Health team, Golden Gates Leisure and Total Fitness to offer health-improving incentives for smokers who have remained smoke-free for four weeks.
PCT smoking cessation co-ordinator Shelia Cahill said: “The service is delighted to reward ex-smokers in this positive way. Stress and weight gain can sometimes result in relapse. The use of exercise and relaxation can prevent this and help people to stay stopped long term.”
As part of the scheme, Total Fitness is offering free three day passes which will entitle users to three free days at the centre on Winwick Road. Quitters will be able to go swimming, use the gym and attend classes like aerobics or yoga. The passes will also be offered to the partners of smokers for moral support.
Reach for Health – Warrington’s GP exercise referral scheme – will be giving quitters referred to the scheme free stepometers to encourage walking every day as a gentle and effective introduction to exercise. A stepometer measures the number of steps you take – the challenge is to get up to 10,000 per day.
In addition, Warrington Borough Council is offering quitters free adult swim sessions during October at Fordton Leisure Centre.
To qualify, smokers must have attended one of the smoking cessation sessions offered through the Warrington Stop Smoking Service and had a carbon monoxide monitor reading which shows that they are smoke-free after four weeks’ treatment.
Smoking is the leading cause of ill health in Warrington, particularly coronary heart disease and respiratory diseases.
Anyone interested in quitting who would like to be referred onto one of the above sessions should see their GP or practice nurse.
For information or practical help and advice, contact Warrington Stop Smoking Service on 01925 843713.
Spillage closes
motorway sliproad
by staff reporter
A MAJOR spillage from a lorry on the sliproad at Junction 9 on the M56 caused traffic chaos.
The load of fertiliser covered the carriageway and police closed the sliproad, which links the M56 with the M6 Junction 20.
Drivers were warned to seek alternative routes as a big clean-up
operation was mounted.
The slip road was closed for about three hours although neither motorway was affected.
Police advised motorists who had used the sliproad before it was closed but after the spillage that the fertiliser could be washed from their vehicles using ordinary water.
No-one was hurt.
Art group
exhibition
by Lesley Wilkinson
A RANGE of work will be on display when Culcheth Art Group holds its Annual Exhibition from November 25 to 27.
The show, at the Day Centre, Jackson Avenue, will feature a variety of subjects, styles and art mediums. Many works will be on sale.
Visitors are welcome and there will be a raffle and home-made refreshments available.
The show is open on Thursday, November 25 from 7pm to 9pm, Friday from 10am to 9pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Van destroyed
in arson attack
by staff reporter
TWO vehicles were destroyed in separate fires at Callands, Warrington during the night.
A van parked in Barmouth Close was set alight and almost totally wrecked. Fire experts say it had been caused by malicious ignition.
But a car which was badly damaged in North Park, Brook Road, caught fire as a result of an accident when a quantity of fuel ignited.
No one was hurt in either incident.
