Councillors to rule on proposed University of Chester development amid parking concerns

The proposed development at the Parkgate Road campus has been called in to next week's planning committee meeting by councillor Bob Rudd due to fears the resulting loss of more than 50 car parking spaces will lead to increased problems in the surrounding streets.

The university wants to erect the three-storey laboratory building on an existing car park area, while the engineering design suite would be constructed on the existing overspill car park.

Although 20 new car parking spaces would be created, the overall net loss as a result of the plans would be 55 spaces, according to a planning report.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's highways officer says the Covid-19 pandemic and a lack of "up to date and robust" university data has hindered any assessment of the likely impacts of the proposal.

It is considered that the development would cause an "increased demand for on-street parking on the surrounding highway network", so on that basis the officer has been unable to support the application.

However, if permission is to be granted the officer has a number of conditions that would need to be put in place.

In his report, the council's planning case officer Karl Spilsbury states that waiting for the necessary survey work to be carried out in the current climate could "create a number of issues in connection with the delivery of development and the future aspirations of our borough".

He adds that the development should be considered on its "own individual merits" with "potential mitigation" put in place.

An artist's impression of the proposed University of Chester laboratory building.

Mr Spilsbury therefore recommends that the plans are given the go-ahead, subject to conditions, on the basis that a ‘campus attendance plan’ is submitted and approved in order to control the use of the site.

He states: "They would have the ability to amend or remove such a condition once the appropriate surveys could be undertaken and these demonstrate acceptable levels of parking capacity or once they have managed to deliver additional parking through the wider piece of work to review their estate."

The planning report states that the sites chosen by the university for the two buildings are the only ones currently available to them.

The university have investigated a number of alternative sites within their ownership and control but discounted them due to their unsuitability.

The report explains: "The university have also been keen to highlight that the application has been put forward as part of a strategy for the campus as a whole.

"The application is supported by a letter from the vice chancellor which outlines that the university are undertaking a comprehensive review of the university estate and this development forms a key part of the emerging strategy."

An artist's impression of the proposed University of Chester laboratory building.

Three objections to the proposals, including one from the Chester Civic Trust, have been received.

Concerns raised included the parking impacts in the residential streets surrounding the campus, increased traffic congestion, and reduced road safety for motorists and pedestrians.

Mr Spilsbury's planning report concludes: "The potential effects of the development upon parking in the area are not known and concerns have been raised by the council’s highways officer.

"Officers consider that a condition is therefore required to control the use of the site. The proposal will result in two sustainably built, energy efficient buildings that are of an acceptable design, harmonising with the surroundings and avoid an adverse visual amenity impact.

"The proposal will enable the university to expand its offer within the existing Chester campus without detriment to neighbouring uses.

"Subject to conditions being imposed, the proposal would not give rise to any significant adverse impacts on the health and well-being of residents or flood risk."

• Members of the planning committee will meet virtually at 4pm on Tuesday, February 2.