The meeting focused on several planning applications, with significant discussions on a proposed solar farm extension and the relocation of a Co-op store in Warington. The solar farm extension was deferred for further consideration, while the Co-op store relocation was refused due to concerns about highway safety and design.

Solar Farm Extension at Blyth House Farm

The committee discussed an application for a 17-megawatt solar farm extension at Blyth House Farm, which would add to an already approved 27.7-megawatt installation. The key points included:

• Environmental Benefits: The extension would generate enough energy to power approximately 4,500 homes and save 3,200 tons of carbon annually.
• Landscape and Visual Impact: Concerns were raised about the cumulative impact of multiple solar farms in the area. The proposal included landscaping to mitigate visual harm.
• Agricultural Land: The land was classified as non-best and most versatile (BMV), with only 15% falling within the BMV category.
• Residential Impact: The nearest property, Blyth House, is a Grade 2 listed building. The proposal included landscaping buffers to mitigate visual impact.
• Highway and Access: No objections were raised by Staffordshire County Council Highways.

The application was deferred to address concerns about the proximity to Blyth House and the cumulative impact of multiple solar farms in the area.

Relocation of Co-op Store in Warington

The committee also discussed an application to relocate the Co-op store from Washawa Lane to Ashbank Road, Warington. Key points included:

• Highway Safety: Significant concerns were raised about the new location's proximity to a busy junction and the potential for increased traffic accidents. The proposed site is near a 40 mph road, and the existing store is in a more pedestrian-friendly area.
• Design and Layout: The new store would have a utilitarian design with a flat roof. The proposal included a designated loading bay for deliveries, but concerns were raised about the safety of reversing large vehicles in a busy car park.
• Community Impact: The existing store is centrally located and well-used by the community. Relocating it across a busy road could inconvenience many residents and pose safety risks, especially for school children.
• Planning Policy: The site is partially within the green belt, and the proposal was considered infilling within a village. However, concerns were raised about the loss of green belt land and the design not meeting high-quality standards.

The application was refused based on policies DC1 (high-quality design) and DC3 (landscape and settlement setting), with an informative added to express concerns about highway safety.