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Planning Applications Committee - Thursday, 23rd May, 2024 2.00 pm

May 23, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)
AI Generated

Summary

The meeting focused on planning applications, with significant discussions on two major proposals: the siting of two woodland holiday cabins at Alton Forest Lodge and the relocation of a co-op convenience store in Warington.

Woodland Holiday Cabins at Alton Forest Lodge

The application was for the siting of two woodland holiday cabins at the former youth hostel site, now known as Alton Forest Lodge. The proposal included ecological enhancements and was supported by local plan policies encouraging new tourism development in the Churnet Valley master plan area.

Arguments For:

  • Tourism Development: The proposal aligns with local plan policies supporting tourism in the Churnet Valley.
  • Ecological Enhancements: The scheme includes measures to protect the ecological value of the area.
  • Traffic Impact: It was argued that the proposal would not significantly increase traffic compared to the former youth hostel use.

Arguments Against:

  • Damage to Ancient Woodland: Objectors, including Mr. John Higgins and Mrs. Diana Gardner, raised concerns about the destruction of ancient woodland due to mountain biking activities associated with the site.
  • Traffic and Safety: Councillor James Abberly highlighted the potential traffic issues and the site's remote location, which could lead to increased car use.
  • Residential Amenity: Concerns were raised about noise, litter, and antisocial behavior from guests.

Decision:

The committee decided to refuse the application, citing concerns about the impact on ancient woodland and the unsustainable location of the development.

Relocation of Co-op Convenience Store in Warington

The proposal involved relocating the existing co-op store from Washoe Wall Lane to a new site on Ashbank Road, Warington. The new site would provide a larger store with better facilities.

Arguments For:

  • Improved Facilities: The new store would offer a larger shopping area and better facilities for customers.
  • Sustainable Location: The site is centrally located within the village and close to the existing store.
  • Highway Improvements: The proposal includes a new controlled crossing and improvements to the footway network.

Arguments Against:

  • Highway Safety: Councillors Ross Ward and Barbara Hughes, along with residents, raised concerns about the safety of the new site, particularly the increased risk for pedestrians crossing the busy A52.
  • Traffic Congestion: The proximity to a busy junction and the potential for increased traffic congestion were significant concerns.
  • Impact on Greenbelt: The site partially encroaches on the Greenbelt, which was a point of contention.

Decision:

The committee decided to refuse the application, citing concerns about highway safety, the design of the new store, and the impact on the Greenbelt. An informative was added to express the committee's disagreement with the highway authority's assessment.

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorPeter Wilkinson
CouncillorPeter Wilkinson  Independent •  Checkley
Profile image for CouncillorKeith Hoptroff
CouncillorKeith Hoptroff  Labour •  Leek South
Profile image for CouncillorBen Emery
CouncillorBen Emery  Conservative •  Leek West
Profile image for CouncillorKeith Flunder
CouncillorKeith Flunder  Conservative •  Brown Edge & Endon
Profile image for CouncillorTony Holmes
CouncillorTony Holmes  Conservative •  Forsbrook
Profile image for CouncillorAlan Hulme
CouncillorAlan Hulme  Conservative •  Checkley
Profile image for CouncillorMark Johnson
CouncillorMark Johnson  Labour •  Leek North
Profile image for CouncillorJonathan Kempster
CouncillorJonathan Kempster  Green Party •  Manifold
Profile image for CouncillorVicky Wheeldon
CouncillorVicky Wheeldon  Labour and Co-operative •  Cheadle South East
Profile image for CouncillorAdam Parkes
CouncillorAdam Parkes  Chairman of the Council •  Labour •  Biddulph North
Profile image for CouncillorIan Plant
CouncillorIan Plant  Independent •  Cheadle West
Profile image for CouncillorOliver Pointon
CouncillorOliver Pointon  Conservative •  Cheddleton
Profile image for CouncillorPaul Roberts
CouncillorPaul Roberts  Conservative •  Caverswall
Profile image for CouncillorLyn Swindlehurst
CouncillorLyn Swindlehurst  Labour •  Leek North
Sally Hampton
Jane Colley
James Stannard
Linden Vernon
Jane Curley
Lisa Jackson
Ben Haywood
Chris Johnston
Rachael Simpkin
Arne Swithenbank
Justin Price-Jones
Mark Trillo
Andrew Stokes
Member Diary SMDC

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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