Council told to approve Trident Business Park plans

A committee meeting regarding the plans is due to take place tomorrow, Thursday, where planning chiefs are set to tell the council to approve the plans.

The plans concern Trident Business Park, off Warrington Road in Risley; an application relating to this development was first submitted in December 2021.

As per the application, the vacant pub adjacent to the business park - the Noggin - is to be demolished in order for a new warehouse to be erected on the site.

The plans were first submitted in December 2021 (Image: Newsquest)

It is anticipated that the warehouse will help form part of a 24/7 distribution hub in the heart of Risley.

The application was initially referred back to the developers by the council's planning department, and revised plans were then submitted for consideration.

However, the plans have been objected to at every turn by both residents and local councillors.

Birchwood Town Council, for example, voted unanimously to object to the development.

Papers relating to the impending committee meeting regarding the development highlight that the council received 361 letters relating to the business park's proposal.

Of these 361 letters, more than 92 per cent were objection letters - 333 objections were received, with just 28 letters supporting the plans.

Of those letters in support, reasons suggested for approving the plans include increased employment in the area, and the jobs created will come without the loss of any greenbelt land.

Another letter says that it is better to demolish the disused pub on the land and create something beneficial, rather than leaving it in its current state.

However, plans were approved in 2020 regarding the transformation of the Noggin into an office building - though this did not come to fruition.

During a sit-down interview with the Warrington Guardian, residents in the area explained their fears surrounding the development.

One resident explained that they had been told by an estate agent that the development could wipe thousands off the price of her home.

In response to this, the council papers state: "Loss of property value is not a material planning consideration."

Residents have been campaigning against the development since the application was submitted (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking at the time, residents said: "They're trying to cram everything in here, and Risley - one of Warrington's oldest communities - is slowly being eradicated.

"The amended plans include increased landscaping, which is welcome, but it's entirely cosmetic; they'll be removing seven trees with protection orders on them, silver birch and oak trees."

Documents show that the planning department has considered the loss of the trees in its recommendation, and stands by its decision to propose the plans are approved by the council.

The residents also said: "This is not just Risley; it's Birchwood, and the whole of Warrington east, too.

"We are not a load of 'not in my backyard' types.

"We know that development happens, but you cannot put a massive, major centre in the heart of Birchwood."

If approved, the application will see the demolition of the Noggin (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for St Modwen Logistics - which owns the business park - explained that the company had conducted 'extensive' engagement with the local community throughout the process.

The 'extensive' engagement has been called into question, after it came to light that the developers had only consulted with residents through one public meeting, and delivered fewer than 50 information leaflets to nearby residences.

Council papers published ahead of the committee meeting read: "Criticism relating to applicant’s lack of community consultation is noted, however, there is no statutory requirement for applicant to do further consultation.

"The Council as planning authority have notified local residents and carried out consultation on the application when received and in relation to amended plans."

This planning application was 'called in' by councillors, which means it has faced increased scrutiny due to its controversial nature.

A planning committee meeting will take place tomorrow, Thursday, where planning officers are set to tell the council to approve the plans, with conditions that include a 10-year landscaping plan.