CONTROVERSIAL plans for the £6m plus redevelopment of Chester's historic leadworks were dramatically withdrawn at an HQ meeting.
Liverpool-based regeneration specialists Neptune Developments had teamed up with the Chester and District Housing Trust to seek approval for the partial demolition and alteration of the remaining buildings at the leadworks, dating back to 1799, on Boughton's canalside.
They were to be replaced by four and five storey extensions to provide 53 one, two and three bed apartments, including 25 affordable.
The development, said to retain many of the historic features of the site, included more than 1,000sq m of leisure and retail space and a heritage interpretation centre in the Grade II*-listed shot tower.
The application was recommended for approval but after hearing objections and a lengthy debate, the borough's planning committee meeting was adjourned to allow development planning manager Fiona Edwards to consider possible reasons for refusal.
When councillors returned, Miss Edwards announced she had been informed by the developers they wished to withdraw their applications for planning permission and listed building consent.
The historic shot tower, the tallest building on Chester's skyline, is said by conservation experts English Heritage to be a ‘highly significant’ feature nationally and internationally.
Principal planning officer Steve Lewis told councillors the site had proved difficult to develop.
He suggested the contemporary design scheme, with lead-like cladding linked to its industrial heritage, would include vibrant public space and would be a catalyst for regeneration in the area.
Speaking for Chester Civic Trust, the Chester Archaeological Society and the local community, John Herson said all were united in their opposition to the application.
It was ‘a rock bottom plan of doubtful commercial viability’ and the design was ‘horrific’.
For Neptune, managing director Steve Parry pointed out the development would allow the long-term survival of the more historic parts of the leadworks.
Boughton ward councillor David Robinson (Lab) told the committee: “This is a decision the people of Chester will talk about for years.”
Cllr Angela Claydon (Lab) believed it would be a ‘tragedy’ for Chester if the scheme went ahead and moved refusal.
When the meeting resumed Miss Edwards revealed the developers wished to withdraw the plans.
