Retail park plans get the go-ahead
DIVISIVE plans to build a new retail park in Macclesfield have been given the all-clear.
Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board unanimously gave its approval for Cedar Invest’s scheme to build six units at the site of the former Barracks Mill factory, which was demolished last year.
It comes after the council lost an appeal to the developer in 2017, meaning it could no longer oppose the principal of building a retail park on the site.
A a meeting members approved the site’s layout, design and access.
Councillor Stephen Carter, from Macclesfield Hurdsfield wars, said: “The Barracks Mill site was an eyesore and it was a dangerous building.
“I would have preferred social housing on the site but I realise that the committee here only faces what is before it.
“I do believe it will bring jobs to the area and it will be in keeping with other facilities around the area.”
Officers had recommended the scheme for approval prior to the meeting. But Eskmuir Securities - which operates the Grosvenor Shopping Centre - had objected because of the impact that the new development would have on the town centre.
Coun Beverley Dooley, whose family has a business in the town centre, said: “This unwanted development will impact the high street, especially in the present economic situation.”
Macclesfield Town Council, Macclesfield Civic Society and The Emerson Group also objected to the scheme.
But Peter Icke, representing the developer, insisted that there is inter- est in the scheme from retailers.
“The applicant is fully committed to delivering the scheme through to completion,” he said.
“Overall the size and appearance of the proposal represents a modern retail environment, attracting good, reputable retailers to the area.”
In 2015 Cedar Invest first submitted an ‘outline’ planning application for a retail park with six units - including four retailers and two cafes.
This was rejected by the council, only for the Planning Inspectorate to overturn the decision at appeal in 2017, paving the way for Cedar Invest to submit its final plans for the scheme to the council last year.
Previously Tesco has been interested in developing the site, which was gutted by fire in 2004, and building warehouses there.