Changes approved at a small parade of village shops in Chester's Green Belt.

Dec 31 2009 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

CHANGES have approval at a small parade of village shops in Chester’s Green Belt.

The application was put forward for Summerfield Road in Guilden Sutton by dentist Andrew Peers.

Mr Peers’ practice occupies the first floor of 3 and 4 Summerfield Road with a financial adviser and a hairdresser on the ground floor.

He put forward proposals for the businesses to move into 1 Summerfield Road, which is said to have been vacant for about a year, to enable the NHS practice to extend into the ground floor.

This would allow disabled access and other requirements of the primary care trust to be met.

A moveable ramp would be used to provide disabled access to the new hairdressers with a ramp created to the frontage of all the premises which include Guilden Sutton Post Office.

The application was supported by Guilden Sutton Parish Council which believes it will ensure the viability of the practice by extending the surgeries and offering disabled access.

Councillors pointed out all the premises would be occupied, ensuring the vitality of the shops and businesses, but asked for further details in connection with the proposed ramp and the possibility of hand rails.

The parish council also suggested the car parking in front of the shops should be marked out.

No objections were raised by the highway authority, which owns the car park, although it did not believe that white lines were needed.

Planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council had three letters expressing support for the extended dental practice and the provision of disabled facilities although concerns were put forward about parking and raising the pavement in front of the shops to provide a ramp.

The practice will acquire two further surgeries in addition to the two on the first floor, with improved waiting and reception areas.

The enlarged hairdressers will occupy about two-thirds of the space at number 1.

The change is said to benefit the village and local residents as there will be an increased dental practice and an enlarged hairdressers with all the premises occupied.

Recommending the application should be approved, planning officers said the choice provided by the shops and businesses would be maintained and enhanced by the improved facilities.

Cheshire West and Chester Council agreed the application could have permission.