A BROWNFIELD site at the gateway to Northwich town centre is set to be transformed after redevelopment plans got the green light.

A proposal had been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council to change the use of the former Car Centre showroom in Old Warrington Road to mixed commercial use.

The plans will also a change in use and the extension of the buildings housing the workshop and service centre, formerly occupied by The Car Service Centre, at the site.

Also included is the erection of a new building for further commerical floorspace on the car park on the other side of Old Warrington Road.

These latest plans follow further redevelopment of the site with a drive-thru Starbucks branch also set to be built.

A design and access statement, prepared by The Emerson Group on behalf of the applicant, said: "The change of use application has been submitted on a speculative basis and would redevelop a brownfield site.

"The development would see significant investment into the area, bringing forward an otherwise vacant gateway site on the edge of Northwich town centre, for a high quality commercial development."

Northwich Guardian: The two sites off Old Warrington Road (Google)The two sites off Old Warrington Road (Google) (Image: Google)

A supplemental planning statement, prepared by Maddox Planning, added: "The principal benefits of the proposed development are:

  • development in a sustainable location, offering the potential for a high proportion of linked trips for existing car-borne journeys
  • active commercial use of a site thereby enhancing its function whilst also offering the opportunity to increase its contribution to local character and appearance
  • enhancing its role in making a positive visual contribution to the local urban environment
  • economic investment and economic stimulus
  • job creation
  • a range of commercial business trading from the site with direct economic benefits and the potential for spin-off benefits in terms of the attractiveness to businesses of the local employment area
  • a development that is entirely appropriate to its location, in an area which is characterised by a mix of garage services, retail, leisure and other commercial uses
  • potentially increasing choice and competition locally.

In a report prepared ahead of approval being granted, a council officer said: "The application seeks planning permission for various employment uses and buildings across the two sites.

"Given the proximity to public transport, neighbouring land uses and proposed uses, the scheme is considered to be acceptable in principle.

"The uses will be conditioned appreciating the site is located outside the town centre boundary and to ensure that in the first instance, new town centre uses are directed in that location.

"The alterations to the existing building are considered sympathetic and in keeping while the new building will reflect a modern employment use."

For more details on the proposal, search reference 21/04121/FUL on the council's online planning portal.