CONSTRUCTION of two large industrial units in Cheshire West have been given the green light by planning chiefs, despite concerns being raised over conservation and access.

Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee unanimously approved an outline application by DM France-Hayhurst Charitable Trust for the two buildings on the Road One estate at land on the junction of Bostock Road, Winsford.

But concerns were raised about access from Bostock Road as well as biodiversity, with part of the site being in the Bostock Conservation Area. But the committee was told a number of conditions and obligations would have to be met if the plans were rubber-stamped.

Due to it being an outline application, details are still unclear about the exact design and layout of the scheme, along with each unit’s eventual use and owner/operator, but the combined floor space would be up to 40,000 sq m.

The committee's deputy chair Cllr Gina Lewis told the meeting at Ellesmere Port Library she had reservations about access to the proposed new development.

She said: “When I saw this particular planning application I was a bit concerned about the fact that the access and egress is onto Bostock Road when it's in close proximity to the industrial estate. We've recently invested quite a large sum of money in putting in extra access for the development that's already taking place.”

She added: “I understand that there is a third party involved. I wonder whether there is any further progress that could be made should this planning application go forward?”

Planning officer Edward Shepherd told the committee that the applicant DM France-Hayhurst Charitable Trust was in discussions with potential developers, and that the eventual chosen developer would have to come forward with options for access.

He said: “It would be down to the developer to look at a lot more options available to them including options for suitable access. There is potential for an access to be taken off the recently constructed spur to the south of the site off Road One.”

Three representations had been received from the public citing issues such as concern over potential encroachment into the conservation area and noise and disturbance resulting from industrial traffic.

A number of obligations were imposed as part of the approval, including a financial contribution of £20,000 towards a reduction in the speed limit along part of Bostock Road, £24,475 towards the delivery of the Winsford Transport Strategy and an additional financial contribution towards biodiversity.

The plans were unanimously approved.