Funeral parlour expansion given go-ahead for Hoole

Feb 6 2009 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A FUNERAL parlour in a Chester suburb can expand, councillors decided.

They overturned the advice of their officials and approved the change of use of a small terrace house at 16 Prescot Street in Hoole to allow for the further expansion of the business owned by Dutton and Hallmark.

The undertakers already occupy 14 Prescot Street, 80 Faulkner Street and part of 16 Prescot Street, according to a report.

They told planning officers at Chester City Council they were seeking a change of use of the entire house at no 16 to create a chapel of rest, a consultation room and staff accommodation.

Hoole All Saints City Cllr Bob Thompson (Lib Dem), who opposed the original application at 16 Prescot Street, does not want to see the loss of the small terrace property.

Although there are unlet apartments in Chester, he says there is demand for small houses in the popular area.

Cllr Thompson also fears the undertakers may seek to move into adjoining properties if they become available and describes the terraced suburb as "the wrong location for a business of this nature."

He believes the council should be working with the undertakers to find suitable alternative premises “for the body processing part of the business" although he is happy for the front of house service to remain in Hoole.

The properties at 80 Faulkner Street and 14 Prescot Street have been knocked through to provide two chapels of rest, storage and reception and office accommodation, says the report.

At 16 Prescot Street, an extension was agreed at the rear of the property in 2007 to provide a preparation room.

The undertakers now propose to include the remaining floorspace to expand the funeral business although their agents, North Wales based GBS Design Services, say there will be no increase in the number of visitors.

They pointed out a dental practice had been allowed to expand in Handbridge and said Mr Dutton had spoken to several residents and no concerns had been raised.

Planning officers argued the application would create "a substantial size business".

They believed the scale of the increase and the purpose for which 16 Prescot would be used would be unacceptable in that location.

Although the terrace house has not been lived in for a number of years, they suggested it is not in a sub standard condition and a home would be lost.

The increase in business would have a greater effect on the surrounding mainly residential area and would lead to a reduction in the quality of life for neighbours.

The application was recommended for refusal to a meeting of Chester's planning board where it had been called in by board chairman Cllr Andrew Storrar (Con, Saughall).

"This is a business that we are all going to use one day whether it is this particular company or another one," commented Cllr Paul Cheetham (Lib Dem, Vicars Cross).

Moving approval, he suggested the fact the undertakers were in the community was an advantage and believed the loss of one house would be negligible given the employment which would be created.

City centre Cllr Gwyn Cooper (Lab, City & St Anne's) said:"Hoole is one of the most sought after areas particularly for young people.

"I am concerned about the business continuing to expand."

"This area really cannot cope with this expansion," suggested Cllr Terri Gray (Con, Newton Brook) supporting refusal.

Lib Dem councillor Jim Latham (Boughton Heath) added:"It does not seem to me that this is a suitable site."

"It may not be an ideal site but the fact is it is there, it is established," argued Mollington Cllr Brian Crowe (Con).

Hoole All Saints Cllr David Hull (Lib Dem, Hoole Groves) believed it was "an inappropriate business to be in the community" but said he would have no objection to there being a point of contact for people to meet the funeral directors and to make arrangements.

Cllr Hilarie McNae (Con, Upton Grange) suggested "I am not aware of any complaints" and the same comment was made by Elton Cllr Barry Cowper (Lab).

Cllr Thompson insisted, however:"These premises have been controversial for many years.

"There was an enormous amount of controversy in the locality when it first came forward."

"Residents have lost faith in their local council.

"They do not feel their interest is being regarded," he said.

The board agreed on a 7 - 5 vote the change of use should have permission.