RESIDENTS have welcomed plans to transform a former newsagents in Thelwall – but there are concerns that ‘too much is being crammed’ into the site.

Proposals have been submitted to extend and remodel the site, which is located on the corner of Alderley Road and Thelwall New Road.

Councillors and residents had launched a campaign over the property following major concerns in relation to the state of the building.

It was previously home to a shop but has fallen into a state of disrepair

The planning application proposes the extension and remodelling of the site to provide A1 use (shops) on the ground floor, C2 use (residential institutions) on the first floor and a room in the roof, plus external alterations to provide parking and a standalone independent bedsit unit.

Former council leader Cllr Ian Marks (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) has welcomed the move but is calling for more detail.

He said: “Local residents and councillors are delighted that a planning application has finally been submitted for this old shop.

“It’s just a shame it has taken so long for this to happen because we have had to put up with this dilapidated building for years and years.

“We are trying to get clarity about exactly is being proposed.

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“The idea of a mixed retail and residential use seems sensible but there is some concern that too much is being crammed onto the site.

“We also need to make sure that parking provision is adequate because it sits on the corner of a busy road close to a school.”

As well as concerns over the site being an eyesore, safety issues have also previously been raised.

Warrington Borough Council has been working with the site owner over the building.

A resident, who has submitted a letter in support of the plans to the council, said the blueprints will improve what is a ‘very dilapidated building and eyesore in the community’.