Cafe plan for beauty spot

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a café and leisure facility on land adjoining local beauty spot Appleton Reservoir is to be submitted to Warrington’s planning committee.
The single-storey building, which would include toilets, would have parking for eight cars and eight cycles.
Planning officers believe a café on the site – formerly part of the Grade 2 Listed Daintith Farm – would be acceptable and the application is supported by Warrington Anglers Association and Warrington Amateur Triathlon club, who both believe it would provide a much-need facility for their members.
But it is opposed by a number of nearby residents and by Appleton Parish Council.
Planners argue that the development, off Park Lane, would be small in scale and would help to support Warrington’s visitor and tourism economy.
Appleton Reservoir is used by anglers, bird watchers, joggers and walkers. It is a SINC – a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation – and a popular beauty spot.
Appleton Parish Council says the café would be an inappropriate development in the Green Belt and the proposed modern design of the café would not relate to the rural setting nor be compatible with the character of the nearby Listed buildings.
They want planners to visit the site before making a decision.
Nearby residents fear increased car parking problems, noise, air pollution and the loss of wildlife habitats such as trees and hedges.
Planning officers point out there is evidence of the site being used before, as there is existing hardstanding, which means it is brownfield land. The development would not significantly encroach into the Green Belt.