Flats plan behind pharmacy

PLANS to build flats on land behind Appleton Village pharmacy in Widnes took a major leap forward after they were passed by the Halton Borough Council’s development control committee.

The site is vacant, having previously been used as a builder’s yard.

A residential development comprising 12 one-bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom apartments can now be built, with parking for residents and pharmacy customers.

A planning report published by Halton Council said the site is in a mainly residential area under Halton’s unitary development plan.

It said: “The principle of residential development on this site is considered to be acceptable.”

However, there were obstacles to the passing of the application.

The report said concerns had been raised over loss of light and privacy, and the size of the proposed building.

The applicant said the gap between the rear wall of properties on Regent Road to the gable wall of the proposed building is approximately 17m, which exceeds the guideline distance of 13m.

It said: “The conclusion regarding this particular relationship is that sufficient separation distance would be provided to ensure that light would not be significantly restricted to the detriment of residential amenity.”

The application also addressed concerns that the scale of the building will not be in keeping with the character of the area.

“It is noted that there are other three-storey developments in this area including the development at St Bede’s View. There is a variety of property types and styles in the locality.”