Controversial plans to demolish a car repair garage and car showroom on Trafford Road and replace them with housing have been refused by Cheshire East Council.
This proposal, submitted on behalf of Russell Homes, involves the demolition of the existing premises and the erection of four town houses in two blocks of semis.
The site, which is located within the mixed use zone and adjoins the Alderley Edge Conservation Area, has been occupied by Alderley Edge Motor Co for about 40 years and JM Bauer and D Bauer for the past 9 years.
The Council refused to grant planning permission on the grounds that the proposal would result in the loss of a commercial activity which assists in maintaining the economic base and is an important and well supported service to the local community.
They also stated it "would be a poor and cramped form of development which would be detrimental to the amenities of neighbours and future residents alike."
Cheshire East Council received around 130 individual letters from local residents who objected to the loss of the garage facility which they considered to be an important service to them. Some objectors also considered there to be no need for the housing.
The owner of Barrington House, and other businesses which occupy the three storey office block, raised concerns about potential conflicts that could occur for future residents regarding noise and disturbance for them from the car park, as well as potential overlooking by the office windows to the rear of Barrington House.
A petition was also sent to the Council, signed by approximately 70 employees of Chess Telecom, which is located on Heyes Lane. The company stated that many employees utilise the garage and staff go shopping in the village whilst waiting for their car to be worked upon.
Another petition from residents in the Alderley area contained 138 signatures and raised objections on grounds of the loss of the employment at the site and the loss of what locals consider to be a valuable service to them from the car repair garage.
Philip Jobling, speaking on behalf of the Edge Association, said "I am very pleased that the council have listened to all the concerns that were expressed about the loss of yet another local facility."
Whilst both Alderley Edge Motor Co and JM Bauer and D Bauer have no desire to vacate these premises, and could continue to operate from them for some time, they are both on short term tenancies. Russell Homes, who own the premises only need to give both occupiers 3 months notice to quit and are under no obligation to provide alternative accommodation for either.
A previous planning application, registered in July 2003, for the development of nine apartments in a three and a half storey building, with two retail units on the ground floor and basement car parking, for this location was refused.
The planning application can be viewed on the Cheshire East planning portal by searching for planning reference 11/2248M.
Comments
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"Well Done" everyone who supported these businesses.
It's amazing how he knows that both tenants have been asked to vacate both sites by February.
One can only wonder what his ultimate objective is ...........
Is he a paid lacky by the landlord to do the talking on behalf of the landlord ?
It's just beyond belief .......
JN Bauer and Alderley Motor Company need the support of the alotment holders now the clock is ticking.