Residents say Warrington aparthotel breached planning rules

The Knightsbridge Court Residents' Association has written to the council, explaining that it believes the aparthotel - managed by Deuce Hotels - has opened in breach of planning rules.

This is due to the developers of the site installing condenser units during the construction phase without planning permission.

The council has confirmed it is monitoring noise levels at the hotel following complaints from residents.

The moisture from the condensers has dripped onto the car park and frozen, residents say (Image: Eric Logan)

Issues with the development were flagged by residents in the summer of 2022, when the Warrington Guardian reported that at least one resident was considering leaving the area due to the stresses caused by the development.

At the time, the site's development was being overseen by Jhai Ltd - the company declined to comment on the residents' concerns when given the opportunity by the Warrington Guardian.

Since that time, the aparthotel opened in November 2022.

According to the Knightsbridge Court Residents' Association, the condensers were installed without prior planning permission, and the condensation from the machines ran to the car park below and froze, making it a hazard.

The residents' group also claims that the condensers are making a large amount of noise - apparently, a sound reading was taken from one of the affected apartments nearby that highlights the noise generated by the condensers.

In the time since the group complained to the council, the developers have submitted a retrospective planning application, requesting permission for the condensers to stay in place.

The aparthotel opened in late 2022 (Image: Mike Boden)

The group also engaged with Bewsey and Whitecross representative Cllr Steve Wright, who wrote regarding the residents' issues: "Having met the residents, and I kept it to just three, although others would have attended, I am deeply shocked at their experience and would ask that these matters are investigated and addressed in a timely manner.

"The worry and stress was plain to see and if not addressed could only get worse."

Warrington South MP Andy Carter visited the new aparthotel when it opened - when contacted, the office of Andy Carter confirmed that the MP had not received any complaints from residents about the development.

A spokesperson for Warrington Borough Council said: "We have received a planning application and an application for listed building consent at the property on Springfield Street, following dialogue with us. The application proposes a second-floor plant deck to accommodate two condensers.

“We are continuing to closely monitor the situation in terms of noise to ensure compliance with the requirements of a noise abatement notice, which was served following complaints from nearby residents.

“Decisions on the applications for the property will be made in due course. Our planning enforcement team is awaiting the outcome of the applications and will pursue this further if consent is refused.”

The new development opened in November (Image: Mike Boden)

Responding to the Warrington Guardian's request for comment, Deuce Hotels said: "We are currently working closely with the local environmental health team and relevant specialists to resolve any issues on this matter."