Physio can expand his practice – despite objections

PLANNING chiefs have approved a physiotherapist’s application to extend opening hours and increase staff at his clinic – despite fierce opposition from his neighbours.
The decision by Warrington’s development management committee means that physio Ian Davies can employ a second physio at his clinic in Manchester Road, Warrington.
More than 30 nearby residents had objected, supported by borough councillor Tony Higgins, on the grounds the practice was already causing serious parking problems.
But officers said only 77 per cent of parking spaces in the area were being used.
Mr Davies was granted planning consent to change the use of a private house into a physiotherapy practice in 2007 subject to conditions that only one physiotherapist worked on the premises at any time and opening hours should not be longer than 9am to 6pm.
This was to prevent an unacceptable level of on-street parking in Manchester Road.
Mr Davies can now have up to two therapists working at the same time and open from 8am to 9pm on weekdays.
Two neighbours wrote letters supporting the practice, saying there was no parking problem – one saying that living next door to the clinic was a lot quieter than living next to an ordinary house.