An expert panel has been set up to review proposed developments in West Cheshire – but critics argue it’s “too little, too late” following a series of uninspiring new buildings.
The Cheshire West and Chester Design Review Panel will consider plans for buildings, masterplans, public art, green spaces and other projects likely to have a significant impact on the borough’s communities.
Comprising local architects, engineers and other specialists, the panel will provide independent and impartial design advice and guidance to developers and their design teams.
A joint venture between the council and Chester Renaissance, the Design Review Panel is an advisory body and does not hold formal decision-making powers.
Cllr Bob Thompson, the Lib Dem’s parliamentary candidate for Chester, welcomed the panel but said it was “Too little, too late!”.
He added: “Sadly where we needed vision we got the Travelodge; where we wanted inspiration we got a bland new so-called super surgery; where we wanted homes to be proud of we got that peculiar angular building on St Martin’s Way and where we wanted convenience we have been blessed by an inconvenient grass-rugged glass edifice of a new bus station outside the city walls. Each a disgrace on its own footprint and together a blight on our city.
“I wish the new panel well and hope it will prove a platform for better design in our city. Although expertise has its place I think everyone will agree actually all that is needed is a bit of common sense. It is obvious to all that concrete and cheap build have no place amongst historic monuments.”
Developers will be encouraged to refer their proposals to the Design Review Panel at the earliest possible stage. Members will aim to undertake a site visit prior to each review and a representative of the developer will be asked to present their proposal to the meeting.
Cllr Carolyn Graham, the council’s Design Champion, said: “Achieving high standards of design and architecture are top priorities for Cheshire West and Chester Council, and we now have an invaluable pool of expertise to help us achieve our aims.”
For more details about the Design Review Panel visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/drp
