Plans to demolish a landmark garden centre and construct a new one, creating dozens of additional jobs, have cleared a vital hurdle. Cheshire West and Chester Council planners initially backed an application late last year to flatten Weaver Vale Garden Centre on Winnington Lane and replace it with an entirely new building. However, work could not commence until a Section 106 agreement was completed – a standard legal arrangement between councils and developers to provide funds offsetting the impact of large developments. That agreement has now been signed, and borough planning officers have formally given the proposal the green light.
New Centre Details
The proposals were submitted by Falkirk-based company Klondyke Strikes Garden Centres, which acquired the site in 2006, though the centre had operated for many years prior. According to the plans, the new garden centre will be designed to meet the 'changing expectations' of modern garden centre customers. It will include a shop, restaurant, covered outdoor display area, outdoor sales area, a new warehouse, and an extension to parking and service yard areas.
A planning document submitted by the applicant stated: "The site is a well-established local business, offering a range of products including plants, garden sundries and tools, garden furniture, outdoor clothing, and a small range of gift and homewares. The site also includes a coffee shop offering breakfast, lunches, snacks and drinks." However, it noted that the existing buildings had become worn over the years and were no longer 'fit for purpose'. The document added: "The fact the site has developed over time in a piecemeal fashion has also resulted in inefficiencies in the current layout. Works are required in order for the site to keep up with its competitors and meet the changing needs of today's garden centre customers."
Additional Features and Job Creation
The approved scheme also includes widening of the existing access, external lighting, electric vehicle charging points, and cycle storage. The plans are expected to safeguard existing jobs and create 47 additional roles. For more information on planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, and alcohol licence applications in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.
