PLANS for 14 detached houses on the site of a disused discount store and petrol filling station have been thrown out by Warrington planning chiefs.
But members of the borough’s development management committee indicated they were not opposed to the principle of housing on the site and might look more favourably on an amended scheme
The site at the former M&S Discount store at Six Acres, Warrington Road, Glazebury is partly in the Green Belt – and planners would like to see the “green” part retained and restored.
At present it lies neglected and an eyesore at the rear of the site.
Cllr Sheila Woodyatt said: “At present the site is an absolute eyesore and we have no objection to the principle of housing. But quite a large part of the site is in the Green Belt and we would like to see it retained.”
Planning officers recommended the scheme be refused. They reported: “The proposal includes permanent built development across the whole site, which is considered to have a far greater impact on openness compared with the existing building, which is confined to just under half the site.”
The developers argue that their scheme would remove all previous development and “green up” the site. Houses would be dispersed across the site, reducing impact and allowing for the introduction of green space. A woodland belt would be planted to the west of the site.
After the decision was made, local councillor Chris Vobe said: “There is a clear desire from people in Glazebury for this site to be developed. However, there is also great concern locally about the types of homes being proposed in this application and the fact that these plans extend beyond the Green Belt line.
“The committee supported the view of dozens of Glazebury residents who petitioned for the council to reject this application, but at the same time acknowledge that their decision doesn’t represent opposition to housing on this land outright.
“The council have rightly expressed a desire to see the openness of the Green Belt retained, and perhaps even restored to green space by way of landscaping. This is an option that I will be working closely with officers to further over the coming weeks.”
Pictured: The disused M&S Discount site.
2 Comments
Poor decision but not unusual for this planning department.
Just to set the record straight, no petition was raised by the residents of Glazebury and there was no opposition to this development registered on the planning department website. This was a missed opportunity to enhance the village.