Agenda and minutes

          The Minutes of the last meeting held on 4 November 2024, were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

The consultation procedure undertaken was outlined in the report together with background information in respect of the site.

Since the publication of the agenda it was noted that an error was found in the report and clarification was required in relation to page number 20 of the report and the assessment table presented.  It was confirmed that financial contributions of Open Spaces was calculated on the basis of the Council’s Open Spaces calculator and not the table in the report.

In reference to the published AB list, it was stated that the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service (MEAS) had confirmed that the updated ecological information provided addressed all concerns raised by the Ecology and Waste Advisor, and no further condition was required.  Therefore, the request for delegated authority in respect of this was no longer required.

The Committee was addressed by Ms Dainty, who spoke in objection to the proposal.  She argued inter alia that:

·       The Wharf is next to the site and is used by 1000 Canal boats per annum;

·       Compliance with Policy HE3 of the DALP was not considered;

·       The proposed embankment was not in keeping with the character of the Village;

·       Water quality would be affected;

·       Bridgewater Canal was not consulted on the proposal;

·       The Wharf was of recreational and commercial importance and a vital site from a tourism perspective;

·       The proposal would cause damage to businesses on the Wharf and adversely affect tourism;

·       The developer had not engaged with residents;

·       The boundary line was in the wrong place;

·       The heritage line was in the wrong place;

·       Morris Homes had carried out road works without permission;

·       There was no privacy for boaters;

·       A verbal agreement was made regarding a mesh fence – this has not been done; and

·       Security concerns and concerns over road access to the site.

Mr Trevaskis, Clerk to Preston Brook Parish Council (PBPC), then addressed the Committee.  He apologised for the late email sent yesterday and tabled copies of this.   He stated that he was not speaking to oppose the development, but its scale and the omission of certain details were not acceptable to the Parish Council.  He cited inter alia, that:

·       The provision of quality housing and the proposed lowering of speed limits was welcomed by PBPC;

·       Preston Brook was a commercial and historical area and at the heart of the community was the Bridgewater Canal, which was of deep historical importance and significant relevance to the Village;

·       The terramesh bund which would be visible from the Canal would affect the naturalness of the area – this should be replaced with natural stone;

·       The Heritage Impact Assessment fell short in terms of the proposed schemes wider impacts;

·       There was no reference to Policy HE3;

·       Impacts on Preston Brook tunnel were not taken into account;

·       PBPC were not invited to discussions relating to the Section 106 funding; and

·       The development would bring disruption and huge changes to the Village.

On behalf of the Applicant, Mr Williams then addressed the Committee.  He advised that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

The Committee was advised that the following appeals had been received and/or were in progress:

23/00200/FUL

Proposed removal of existing conservatory and construction of single storey rear extension at Sexton Cottage, Daresbury.

21/00711/FUL

Proposed division of one flat into two flats on ground floor at Unit 5 Salisbury Street, Widnes.

23/00194/FUL

Proposed internal reconfiguration of existing dwelling and part double, part single storey extension at 62 Church Road, Hale.

24/00125/FUL

Proposed two storey pitched roof extensions to front and side, single storey flat roof rear extension and new roof over existing side extension and detached garage at Tileacres, 29 Hale Road, Hale, L24 5RB.

24/00097/FUL

Erection of two drive-thru units with ‘drive-thru’ facilities together with associated car parking, servicing and landscaped areas, at Green Oaks Centre, Widnes.

22/00569/OUT

The Secretary of State has called in the planning application for the Heath Business and Technical Park, Runcorn.  This will be considered at a Public Inquiry.

And the following appeals had been determined:

24/00004/FUL

Proposed extension above existing garage at 25 Hale Road, Hale (Dismissed).

24/00053/ADV

Advertisement consent for 1 no. internally it LED digital display at 85-87 Victoria Road, Widnes (Dismissed).