Plans revealed for 10 start-up units

PROPOSALS for much-needed start-up industrial units aimed at small businesses could provide an economic boost to Macclesfield.

DC Developments has submitted an outline planning application to Cheshire East Council to create 10 units at the site of Wards Scrap Yard, on Turf Lane.

The plans also include 36 car parking spaces and involve the demolition of what is currently at the location.

Following discussions with two commercial estate agents those behind the application say demand for units of this type ‘far outstrips supply’.

A report from consultants Emery Planning submitted with the application says: “This will continue for the foreseeable future as there is a shortage of suitable modern premises in Macclesfield.

”There is a need for business starter units in Macclesfield where there is a recognised shortfall.

”The provision of the starter units would help towards the local authority meeting its requirement for the take up of employment land.”

Outline planning permission seeks to establish the principle of a development before the finer details are agreed at a later date.

The site is owned by DC Developments and each unit would have 110m sq of floorspace for manufacturing, storage or distribution and a mezzanine floor of 32m sq for office use.

Plans for eight light industrial buildings at the site were refused in 2006 but Emery Planning’s report says circumstances are now quite different.

It says: “All the reasons for refusal of planning permission for a similar, but not identical scheme, in 2006, have been addressed in this proposal.

”Either because circumstances have changed during the intervening period or the site has been included within the South Macclesfield Development Area for development.

”The traffic, servicing and parking arrangements have been addressed such that the proposal would not harm safety on the highway network.”