UNITED Utilities has lodged an appeal after planning permission was turned down for a business park in Sankey Bridges.

The company wanted to create Forest Way Business Park' by the tip, off Barnard Street, but the planning committee turned it down in January.

Members were concerned about the traffic impact.

A United Utilities spokesman said: "We are very disappointed the planning committee did not endorse its own officer's recommendation to approve the application, given the site is identified for employment purposes in the council's own development plan.

"The site has the potential to create 500 jobs in Warrington, which is consistent with the council's own employment policies.

"We were satisfied the original application was comprehensive and was fully supported by a wealth of technical documents.

"In the case of traffic, an independent consultant employed by the council said the application was acceptable."

Clr Jeff Richards (Lab - Bewsey and Whitecross), who spoke against the application at the January meeting, said the area already had HGVs for the tip, for Legh Concrete, and traffic movements for the under-construction Saxon Park residential development.

He said: "It's only a small junction. There's not much room for improvement.

"How much more before they say no?"