Planners to rule on car sales plan

A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a car sales outlet on a busy main road at Warrington comes before planning chiefs next week – for the third time in two months.
The scheme, submitted by Furness Rigby Ltd, involves a former United Utilities depot in Chester Road, Walton.
It was thrown out by Warrington’s planning committee two months ago – but was re-submitted only a month later.
The planning committee decided to refer the new application to its parent committee – the development management committee.
The plan is opposed by 10 nearby residents, Walton Parish Council and borough councillor Paul Kennedy.
It involves a change of use of the former depot – and planning officers have recommended it be approved throughout.
Residents argue that an existing traffic problem would be made worse – particularly if car transporters were entering and leaving the site. They believe vehicles turning into the site will cause damage to the retaining wall to the adjacent, Grade 2 Listed Pear Tree Farm.
The residents also fear increased noise, a loss of privacy and security, a loss of green space and damage to wildlife habitats.
Cllr Kennedy objects on the grounds of increased road safety hazards on a very dangerous section of main road particularly because of drivers slowing and stopping to look at cars for sale.
Walton Parish Council argue that additional traffic would be dangerous, the display of vehicles and associated signage would distract passing motorists, the use of portable buildings was not appropriate on a site that was already a “blot on the landscape” and valuable trees might be felled.
Planning officers say the site has not been used intensively for many years and the narrowness of existing access points limit the amount to which it could be used.
But they point out it could be used more intensively without any need for planning consent.