PLANS for three shops on a controversial patch of land at the junction of Stocks Lane has been described as ‘just about acceptable’ by a Penketh parish councillor.

Residents reacted angrily last year to a proposal for a car wash on the busy corner near St Pauls Church and Penketh Community Primary School which was later rejected.

But last week plans for three general retail units and parking spaces were approved by the development management committee despite a number of concerns from residents.

Unhappy homeowners expressed fears the corner was already hazardous and congested, with few parking spaces, and three shops would only make traffic and parking problems worse.

One househoulder, who did not want to be named, said: “Most residents are very concerned and feel that their objections have been ignored by the council.

“There are already several empty shops in and around the area and fears are that it will only be a matter of time before this building will be closed down, making it an eyesore and a magnet for unsavoury people.”

Penketh Parish Council raised objections before the meeting regarding the number of parking spaces, asked for assurances the units would not become takeaways and raised safety issues.

Clr Linda Dirir (Lab – Penketh) said: “We will remain vigilant over permission being sought to turn the shops into takeaways because that would have a big impact on parking and litter.

“We have to be realistic that something would have to go on that land and this is 20 times better than the car wash which was proposed initially.

“Our negotiations managed to improve where the parking spaces would be and the sight lines.”