Car dealer wins lengthy plans battle

A WARRINGTON car dealer has won planning consent for a new sales outlet at the third time of asking.
Furness Rigby Ltd, who currently operate from a site in Chester Road, Warrington will be able to move to a former United Utilities depot in Chester Road, Walton.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee approved a change of use of the site after hearing that safety concerns involving the access and traffic on Chester Road had been overcome.
The plan was thrown out by the planning committee less than three months ago but was re-submitted unchanged a month later – angering nearby residents who were strongly opposed to it.
Walton Parish Council and local borough councillor Paul Kennedy were also opposed to the scheme.
The planning committee decided to refer the issue to its parent committee – development management.
Residents argued that an existing traffic problem would be made worse – particularly if car transporters were entering and leaving the site. They believed vehicles turning into the site could cause damage to the retaining wall to the adjacent, Grade 2 Listed Pear Tree Farm.
The residents also feared increased noise, a loss of privacy and security, a loss of green space and damage to wildlife habitats.
Cllr Kennedy objected 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 argued 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, who had always recommended the scheme be approved, said the site had not been used intensively for many years and the narrowness of existing access points limited the amount to which it could be used.
But they pointed out it could be used more intensively without any need for planning consent.
Members of the development management committee finally approved the scheme after hearing the applicant had address traffic problems.
In addition, the speed limit on Chester Road at that point was to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.