Equipment has approval on new West Cheshire College building in Handbridge

Jan 24 2011 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A PARTLY retrospective application was approved for mechanical and electrical equipment at the multi-million pound West Cheshire College redevelopment on Eaton Road, Handbridge.

Planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council were told that when the original application for the new college was submitted, the design of the mechanical and electrical services was not sufficiently advanced to enable it to be shown on the plans.

Permission was now being sought for external equipment including ductwork, boiler flues and air conditioning equipment.

No objections were raised by environmental protection specialists subject to an acoustic report.

Most of the equipment will be located on the roof of the development, which is nearing completion, according to a report.

Two boiler flues and a stack towards the rear will be the most visible features. Most of the equipment will be screened and its visual impact will be limited.

Planners suggested there should be a condition requiring details of the finish of the flues to ensure they are in keeping with the college building and its Green Belt setting.

The application was recommended for approval on the basis the equipment would not have an unacceptable detrimental effect on visual or residential amenity in the area.

The council agreed the application could be approved.