Former Cheshire chicken plant to become new house

Feb 2 2009 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A VACANT cooked chicken plant dating back to the 1950s, which has fallen into a state of disrepair, has approval to be replaced by residential development.

The application, for a single two storey house, has permission a mile from the centre of Malpas near Ashcroft on Cherry Hill, Cuddington.

Applicant Mr R Suckley told planning officers at Chester City Council he was proposing to demolish the single storey commercial buildings to make way for the new build residential development which will have a detached double garage.

Landscaping is included in his plans.

The historic employment use of the premises, which is close to other properties, led to a number of complaints, according to a report.

The business was not sympathetic to the residential area and there is "significant" ground contamination.

The future of the land has been in discussion with the city council for 12 months to establish if a new commercial use should be considered.

Commercial redevelopment and holiday lets have both been assessed together with light and general industry and offices, the report reveals.

Due to the cost associated with redeveloping the site, including the removal of oil and petrol tanks and asbestos cladding, it has been concluded that a commercial use would lead to a negative land value.

It could also have a detrimental effect on residential amenity as the site is close to a number of residential properties.

In its current form, the site is out of keeping, suggest planning officers.

The guidelines for residential development are met and they believe the new build will be in an appropriate design in relation to the character of the area.

Adequate privacy distances are being provided and there will be satisfactory parking and access.

Recommending the application should be approved, principal planning officer Liz Stone says the construction of a new house will be an acceptable re-use of the land.

The city council agreed under delegated powers the application should have permission.