Controversial plan to convert part of CPS Shopping Centre into 14 apartments given green light

CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert part of the former CPS Shopping Centre at Culcheth, Warrington, into 14 residential units have been approved by town planners.

The application by A Faig (Shivat Haminim Capital Ltd) at the CPS Centre, 7 – 9 Common Lane, Culcheth, was submitted under Class MA Permitted Development for the change of use of part of the first and second floors from office (Class E) to residential (Class C3). The decision was approved under delegated powers despite 120 objections.

Local residents had been opposing the plans ever since local traders were evicted from the premises last year.
In response to the news, Gill Stott from Culcheth & Glazebury Residents Association said: “We’re disappointed that Warrington Borough Council has granted Prior Approval for the CPS Centre conversion, despite strong objections from residents and the extensive workshops and drop‑ins we ran to help the community understand the issues.
“The Council has only approved the scheme with very heavy conditions, which reflect the concerns raised in our sessions. These include:

Non‑openable windows facing the Sainsbury’s service yard
High‑spec acoustic glazing and 63dB wall upgrades
Full mechanical ventilation and purge systems because windows can’t be opened
Strict noise limits and mandatory validation testing before anyone can move in
Requirements for cycle storage, bin storage, EV charging and a full waste management plan

“These conditions exist because residents spoke up — and because the noise environment is clearly unsuitable without major engineering.
“But the core issue remains: if a building needs sealed windows, specialist ventilation and acoustic walls just to be habitable, it’s not the right place for homes.
“We’ll continue monitoring the development closely to ensure every condition is met and residents’ interests are protected.”

Planners say that in the interests of residential amenity, the applicant/agent/developer is strongly advised to adopt the following recommended construction/demolition hours for all works on site. Works audible at or beyond the site boundary should not occur outside of Monday to Friday 08.00hrs to 18.00 hrs, Saturday 08.30hrs to 13.30hrs and at no time on Sundays or Public/Bank Holidays. Noisy or disruptive works carried on outside of these hours are much more likely to raise objections or complaints by local residents (due to disturbance) to the redevelopment of the site, which may, in turn, result in formal action being pursued by Public Protection Services to enforce the recommended hours.