PLANS to demolish ‘dated’ business buildings and replace them with two large ‘atrocious monster’ warehouses have received fierce local condemnation.

More than 90 residents from Risley and surrounding areas have submitted letters of objection against the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ proposals for land at Trident Business Park.

Applicant St Modwen Developments wants to level the 3.37-hectare site, located north of Daten Avenue and west of Trident Way, and redevelop it for further employment use.

At the time of writing, 91 letters speaking out against the proposals had been sent to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department.

This was in contrast to a solitary letter of support from a small-business owner who said they have ‘nothing against the application’.

However, they called on the council to help to the many small businesses currently operating from the buildings to be demolished to find new premises in the area.

The loss of employment space for small businesses, many of which have been based at the site for ‘many, many, years’, is a key issue for those objecting, with fears firms and jobs could be lost.

One resident said: “This is a dreadful proposal which will significantly impact on many people’s businesses and lives at already extremely strained and difficult times due to Covid.

“People have well established businesses on this park and may not have the abilities, both financially and physically, to relocate, set up and rebuild their business elsewhere.

Plans showing how the development would look if approved

Plans showing how the development would look if approved

“This proposal needs to be stopped as soon as possible and other locations considered where it will not cause so much damage and destruction to people’s lives and businesses.”

Other issues raised include the large height of the buildings, an increase in traffic, noise and light pollution, a loss of trees and air pollution from HGVs.

As well as this, concerns include bats and birds roosting and nesting in the former Noggin Inn pub, flooding worries, a loss of natural light for nearby homes and a devaluation of property prices.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: “The development of this site will result in a well-designed, high-quality scheme that is an asset to the area and will provide a desirable development.

“It is anticipated that the scheme will act as a catalyst for new jobs and bring welcome investment to the local community.

“The development represents an investment to the area and will help to promote and support employment growth and stimulate economic regeneration to the area, cohesive with regional and local aspirations.

“The design seeks to minimise the impact on its surroundings, providing an opportunity for the development of attractive, contemporary and cohesive buildings that are fit for purpose and safe for all to use.”

To view or comment on the application, search for 2021/40696 on the planning section at warrington.gov.uk