Planners hold back because of parking fears

FEARS of parking chaos have led to planning bosses deferring a decision to provide 10 new apartments in Warrington town centre.
The borough council-s development management committee decided they wanted more information before they were prepared to rule on an application to convert disused Hope Church, in Crosfield Street, into 10 apartments
Councillors were told there was already a serious shortage of parking in Crosfield Street – so much so that it was one of the few places in Warrington where residents have special permission to park partly on the footpath..
Nearby residents also believe there would be a loss of privacy, an increase in noise and light pollution and that a proposed bin store would cause harm to the living conditions of existing residents.
The apartments would be very small – some residents say five would be acceptable – and there are bats and birds living the building.
They also claim work has already started on converting the building.
Ward councillors Tom Jennings and Sarah Hall have also lodged objections on similar grounds.
A report to trhe committee said the church was built in 1981 and is in good structural condition. It was last used in 2015.
The building is not listed nor locally listed. It has at some time been extended at the rear with a modern conservatory.