Superstore extension plans face opposition (From Warrington Guardian)

Superstore extension plans face opposition

OPPONENTS of Asda Westbrook's extension plans have a month to contact planning chiefs.

Asda wants to increase the site by more than 3,000 square metres to 11,688sqm by building an extension to the eastern side of the store, as well as creating 281 more parking spaces.

Controversially it will mean the closure of the store's current main entrance on Westbrook Crescent, forcing all traffic to use the other two entrances.

Worried residents from Garwood Close, who access their road from the Westbrook Crescent roundabout, lobbied Burtonwood and Westbrook parish councillors to oppose the plans, fearing an increase in traffic.

Chairman Eddie Coop said: "I can understand why the residents of Garwood Close are up in arms and the parish council does have sympathy with them but other Westbrook residents have welcomed the plans. We haven't written to the development control committee to give an opinion either way."

Asda's planning report states that traffic from the closed priority junction will be redirected to the Westbrook Crescent/ Garwood Close roundabout following redevelopment of the site.

It adds that the current main junction will be closed to stop problems during Friday and Saturday peak hours when there is significant queuing and delays.

The report says that Asda's development will provide a more modern, comfortable, high quality shopping environment and the extended floor space will not attract a proportional increase in trade.

Plans may be viewed in New Town House and people have until January 27 to comment.

Clr Coop pointed out that Garwood Close comes under the auspices of Great Sankey Parish Council and not Westbrook.