PLANS to replace a farm shop in Penketh with a new construction have been slapped down by planning officers at the council.

Documents were first submitted to Warrington Borough Council regarding the demolition of the current Holly's Farm Shop in favour of a new building in June 2022.

The plans were validated by town hall planners in November last year, and a decision on the plans was issued on Thursday, July 20.

As per the application, it was the intention to demolish the current structure in order to build a new farm shop with associated car parking and storage facilities.

Warrington Borough Council threw out the proposals last week, with planning officers giving three reasons for the plans to be scrapped.

Those reasons were:

  • The proposal would result in inappropriate development, which is by definition harmful to the Green Belt and would furthermore detract from its openness and conflict with the purposes of including land in the Green Belt. No very special circumstances exist to outweigh the harm caused and as such, the proposal is contrary to Policy CS1 and CS5 of the Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy, national policy set out in the NPPF.
  • The proposed development, by virtue of it scale, including the introduction of new built forms, car park and associated surfacing would result in an increase in intensification of the site and consequent urbanisation which would detract from the open landscape and visual amenity of the area, contrary to Policies CC2 and QE7 of the Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy.
  • The proposed development introduces a retail use outside a defined local centre and it has not been demonstrated that there are no suitable sites available within or on the edge of the centre. As such the proposal conflicts with Policy SN5 of the Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy.

There were no objections on the application from the council's environmental protection department, nor highways - though highways did comment: "The application is for the demolition of an existing farm shop and proposed new farm shop with associated storage area and car parking.

"The site is long established, and the intention to demolish and replace the existing premises with a similar facility is not anticipated to have any significant highway implications.

"Parking/servicing space is to be enhanced, and is considered acceptable.

"However, whilst there is not anticipated to be a significant intensification in use, the access would be expected to support two way operation, and it will need to be widened accordingly.

"A condition is requested: the existing footway crossing will also need to be extended."

United Utilities also did not object, though did highlight some considerations for the applicant regarding drainage at the site.

It was anticipated that the new Holly's Farm Shop would operate according to the current opening hours (10am-3pm, Friday to Monday) and would have provided parking for 12 vehicles.

This application was refused by Warrington Borough Council on Thursday, July 20.