PLANS for a row of shops to serve the Upton Rocks area of Widnes have been given the green light despite a string of objections.

Land off Queensbury Way and Lanark Gardens, Widnes, has been earmarked for a 'local centre' including shops, a pub and two takeaways.

But 12 letters of objection have been sent to Halton Borough Council with people raising concerns that the centre will lead to: increased traffic on Falkirk Road - which is already used as a shortcut between Hough Green and Farn-worth; noise and disturbance from youths they fear will gather there and are already said to be causing anti-social problems, and loss of visual amenity.

Some of the objectors have said they do not want a pub or even shops and they are worried about property values falling as a result of the development.

They have also raised concerns about the potential for noise from a recycling point included in the plan and fear the facility could be a visual eyesore.

A report to the development control committee, which approved the plans, said the development involves the creation of about 1,840sq m of floor space of which around 693sq m will provide four shops, a general store, two hot food shops and one other retail unit, a 436sq m nursery and a 711sq m public house.

It will have 90 car parking spaces, 11 disabled parking spaces and landscaping with trees, low-level planting and grass. Planting will be denser around the recycling point for concealment.

A report to the committee said: 'The centre has been planned for some time and, indeed, the council as landowner has been marketing the site for many years. There is an element of local opposition.

'This opposition considers that the facility is neither needed nor in the correct location. The objectors also raised a number of other detailed concerns which they believe will follow should the centre be constructed.

'It is not considered that these objections can be sustained. The site has been carefully selected because of its position on the new Cronton Lane distributor road, there are good accessibility and transport links and the land is also adjacent to the reserved site for the local school and local park. It is central to the Upton Rocks development area and is considered an essential component to the proper development of this large housing area.

'The design is of a very high standard and will result not only in a development which will add visually to the quality of the area but will also provide a number of essential and welcome amenities.'