Revised plans sent for controversial Trident Business Park

Trident Business Park has been embroiled in a planning battle that would see the business park expand by demolishing derelict properties on the edge of the site, which would allow for new warehouses to be built.

One of the buildings that would be demolished would be the Noggin Inn, a disused public house.

The Noggin Inn would be demolished if plans are approved (Image: Maps)

The first planning application was submitted to Warrington Borough Council's planning tsars in December 2021, and the developers - St Modwen - have subsequently fallen foul of residents and local politicians.

Birchwood Town Council voted unanimously to object to the plans when they were submitted, with residents citing an inordinate increase in traffic as one of the largest issues with the plans.

In response to a number of objections, the developers held a consultation meeting in November 2022 in order to open a dialogue with aggreived residents and councillors.

Now, St Modwen have submitted a new planning application to Warrington Borough Council, which has been revised with new considerations.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, a spokesperson for St Modwen Logistics said: "Following extensive engagement with local residents, councillors and occupiers late last year, St Modwen has submitted revised redevelopment plans for Trident Business Park, including softening the design, reducing the height, and bolstering our landscaping plans.

"Our plans for Trident Business Park will transform the outdated parts of the site into a modern, sustainable business park fit for the future, creating employment opportunities and substantial economic growth for the local area.”

When asked for opinions via social media last year, one resident told the Warrington Guardian: "This is a massive distribution depot, generating massive traffic to the area.

"It's in a residential area - an area already under scrutiny for the amount of HGVs and other traffic.

"The residents are not simply complaining, they are strongly objecting."

The plans would see the expansion of the business park, if approved (Image: St Modwen Logistics)

Another resident said: "I personally am worried about the noise pollution as it’s expected to be a 24/7 distribution centre. Plus the extra vehicles and pollution on Warrington Road.

"There is a weight restriction on Warrington Road that isn’t policed and we’re expecting that to be abused too.

"I’m also concerned about the light pollution - my close is between two industrial estates and a motorway, all of which have encroached on our residential space."

The consultation period for this planning application has been extended, and a decision is due by Monday, May 1.

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