BLUEPRINTS to build a Co-op store on the car park of St Michael’s Church Parish Hall in Burtonwood have been withdrawn.

The decision was listed on the council’s planning website but a spokesman for the Co-op has since confirmed the news.

He said: “The developer has decided to withdraw the application to allow time to liaise with the local authority over improvements to the design of the car park entrance and landscaping.  

“It is anticipated that a new application will be submitted in the next few weeks.”

This follows a public consultation meeting earlier in May.

A number of public objections have also been published on the council’s planning website over noise pollution, road safety and an increase in traffic.

The plans, which were submitted earlier this year, included renovation work on the parish hall in order to safeguard the future of the community building for the next generation.

According to planning documents, the redevelopment aims to improve the current facility off Chapel Lane which is in need of significant repair including a new roof.

Plans also included the construction of a new car park for the parish hall with 18 spaces, one disabled space, two motorcycle spaces and cycle stands.

The old car park was earmarked for the single storey retail premises with a 21-space car park and on-site delivery facilities. 

Once completed, the Co-op on Mercer Street was to close with staff relocated to new premises.

It was hoped the store would open in the first half of 2018.