A 72-bedroom care home will be built on Gresty Road in Shavington — despite concerns from one councillor it could burn down like the Notre Dame cathedral, writes Ethan Davies.
Cheshire East’s southern planning committee approved the plans yesterday (March 31), paving the way for the 2.5-storey facility to be built.
However, some councillors expressed fears the proposals had “inadequate” parking provision — and one had concerns on fire safety.
“I have very grave concerns about having the plant room and kitchen on the second floor,” Cllr Jill Rhodes argued.
“We all know about the problem of fire on roofs — if you think about Notre Dame, that’s an example.”
Cllr Rhodes also took issue with the size of the development and parking.
She added: “I feel it is too big for the site, it is very tight and there are implications for the trees planted by Cheshire East.
“I have concerns for some of the parking which is inadequate.”
One potential issue for the project was that the council’s local plan strategy — a blueprint for development in the borough — had not marked the site out for residential accommodation.
However, planning officers felt that because the intended commercial use of the land had been met by other schemes in the vicinity, it was acceptable to allow a departure from the plan.
Shavington Ward Cllr David Marren supported the bid, telling the board: “We have been advised that there is significant commercial development in this area.
“I think people in the local area would prefer to see a care home and not a commercial site.
“Of course, it’s going to bring in jobs and other economic benefits so I am satisfied with everything I have heard [today].”
In the end, nine councillors voted to approve the plans, one voted against, and two abstained.
Just shows how much our planning committee consider safety before profit!