A ‘wasted opportunity’ was the view of a council lawyer about a canalside student housing scheme during an amusing exchange with an expert witness for the developer.

Barrister Martin Carter was speaking at a planning inquiry where Miller Developments has been appealing a decision by Cheshire West and Chester Council to reject its plan for three student blocks at Tower Wharf.

Cross examining Miller’s heritage expert Katy Lightbody, Mr Carter asked her about ‘block A’ fronting the Shropshire Union Canal next to Telford’s Warehouse.

He said: “It is fair to say isn’t it that this block does not present the most welcoming and active frontage to the canal does it, particularly when you’ve got a switch room, a plant room and a cycle store and the ventilation apertures? It’s rather utilitarian isn’t it?”

She responded: “No, I disagree, I think efforts have been made to enliven this part of the building and that was as a result of the scheme amendment. Where there are areas of activity that will take place, those have been focused towards the frontage and glazing is introduced.”

To laughter in the room at Chester’s Quaker Meeting House, Mr Carter retorted: “How interesting, exciting or enticing is it to see someone sweating on a treadmill in a gym as you walk past?”

He continued: “You see, if this had been a mixed use scheme, there could be cafes that spilt out onto the pavement, there could be places for people to use the canal to have more of an interface, a connection between the use of the building and the use of the canal. At the very least this is a seriously wasted opportunity, isn’t it?”

Ms Lightbody, who made clear she disagreed, said: “It’s possible that a mixed development could include those facilities but this is the scheme that is being assessed here.”

Earlier she quoted the council’s own planning expert who had recommended approval of the scheme but was ignored by the elected members.

Planning officer Steve Lewis wrote at the time: “The resulting development would complete the redevelopment and regeneration of the Tower Wharf area and make a positive contribution to the appearance of the locality, enhancing the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the neighbouring listed buildings.”

Ms Lightbody agreed, telling the inquiry the development was a high quality design that respected heritage assets, local distinctiveness and the character and appearance of the townscape.

Inspector Roger Pritchard, who has presided over the four-day inquiry, will publish his recommendations later.