PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have thrown out proposals for a development of four office blocks, ranging from two to three storeys.
Members of the borough’s development control committee decided they were not satisfied with proposals put forward by the applicant – English Partnerships – to safeguard the buildings from flooding and drainage risks.
A similar scheme was withdrawn by the applicant last year because of doubts about flood risks.
The site involved is in Charon Way, on the Gemini Business Park at Westbrook.
Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council had lodged objections based on worries about traffic problems and road safety issues.
A nearby resident had also objected because of noise disturbance, light pollution and traffic and also pointed out the significant number of vacant office blocks in the area.
Highways chiefs said while ideally there should not be any increase in traffic in the area, the scheme was acceptable subject to the applicant making a contribution of £305,682 towards the cost of highway improvements at Junction 8 on the M62.
Planning officers recommended the scheme be approved, subject to the financial contribution. They argued that there would be a landscaped “buffer” between the development and nearby homes.
