Objections as ‘mediocre’ research and development facility is approved at the University of Chester

Jan 26 2012 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

OBJECTORS raised concerns about lack of public consultation by the University of Chester when plans were put forward for a large new building on the Parkgate Road campus.

The university told planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council the building, up to three storeys in height, would be used for food and drink industry related research and development in connection with the university.

The facility was welcomed by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and the Mersey Dee Alliance.

But objectors pointed to a lack of public consultation and argued it was ‘another example of piecemeal development by the university with no published development plan’.

They raised design concerns and described the appearance of the new build as ‘mediocre’.

A number of residential properties would lose their gardens which could compromise their use as family homes in the future, opponents believed and fears were raised about increased traffic and parking problems.

Planners agreed the design had ‘limited architectural merit’ but said it would be well screened from Parkgate Road.

The application was recommended for approval as the development would not have an unacceptable effect on the amenity of neighbours or on-road safety. Planning permission was agreed.