PROPOSALS to create industrial units near to recently approved flats have been categorically rejected.

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department to build 11 small industrial units contained within two buildings.

This is on land adjacent to Spencer House, on Dewhurst Road in Birchwood, which itself was granted permission to be converted into 20 flats in April last year.

It is the impact on these flats, among other reasons, that the council has refused permission to applicant Evolve Estates.

Planning documents stated: “The site is currently an underused car park. The adjacent Spencer House has current consent for part of it to be converted for a residential scheme.

“This, along with the change in working habits, has led to a reduction in car parking needs for the building.

“The units have been designed to offer flexibility and versatility to businesses so they can be tailored to suit their individual needs.

“The proposed buildings will create additional jobs, and by introducing multiple opportunities for small expanding business owners, it will create opportunities for employment.

“We bring to this experience gained on developing similar types of developments, which have been so successful that they have been sold or pre-let before the completion of the works.

“We have developed a simple but attractive design solution that will meet the needs of all occupants, but also provide an attractive building also.

“This proposed development has been designed to enhance the site, encouraging investment and growth of both the immediate area and the surrounding areas.”

Cllr David Ellis and Birchwood Town Council objected due to plans already being approved for 20 flats in part of Spencer House and the impact the industrial units would have on them, as well as a loss of parking spaces.

In refusing permission, the borough council said: “The proposal is not considered to enhance the vitality, viability and overall attractiveness of Birchwood district centre.

“It represents an unacceptable impact on highway safety, and no evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the cumulative impacts on the road network would not be severe.

“The proposal is considered to have an unacceptable impact on the residential amenity of potential occupiers of the permitted residential development adjacent to the site.

“Moreover, the proposed buildings would not satisfactorily reflect the existing urban grain and built form due to their design and proportions.

“The proposed materials are considered to cause unacceptable harm to visual amenity of the local area.

“The design, scale and materials of the proposed development is not considered to be acceptable and would not create a high-quality place with a varying street scene.

“No information has been submitted within the application to demonstrate that the development would reduce carbon emissions.

“The proposal has not evidenced that it would not have an adverse impact on the critical sewer network.”