Cheshire Oaks Business Park Expansion: 12 New Commercial Units Approved
Cheshire West and Chester Council has granted planning permission for the construction of 12 new commercial units at Cheshire Oaks Business Park in Ellesmere Port. The approval marks a significant step in expanding the business park's capacity for office, research, and industrial activities.
Flexible Design for Diverse Business Needs
The application, submitted by Asteer Planning, outlines two-storey units designed with flexibility in mind. These units are intended to accommodate a variety of businesses, allowing for seamless adaptation between uses such as offices, industrial operations, and research and development facilities.
A planning officer's report emphasized the functional and modern design of the buildings, stating: "The proposed new buildings are designed to be functional modern units of accommodation that can flex between uses, but their overall appearance is appropriate for this area; their visual appearance, including the style of fenestration along the principal elevations, and their finishing materials would be as similar as possible to the existing units in operation in and around the business area."
Site Details and Environmental Considerations
The development will be located at Lloyd Drive, within the designated Cheshire Oaks Business Park. The site has a complex planning history, having previously been earmarked for a care home that was never built. Currently, a different care home scheme is under construction nearby.
Residential properties border the site to the north at Shetland Drive and to the west at Islay Close and Lewis Close. The council's environmental protection unit has confirmed that potential end uses, including research and development and industrial processes, can proceed without detriment to residential amenity, provided specific conditions are met.
The report highlighted measures to control artificial lighting and mitigate light pollution, requiring the applicant to adhere to a submitted lighting plan. This ensures minimal impact on neighboring residential areas.
Economic Benefits and Future Prospects
Recommending approval, the planning officer's report concluded: "The proposed development would be of economic benefit, creating new employment units that can be adapted to the changing needs of the end user." This project is expected to enhance local employment opportunities and support economic growth in the region.
The development includes provisions for parking and landscaping, aligning with modern business park standards. By offering adaptable spaces, it aims to attract diverse businesses and foster innovation within Ellesmere Port's commercial landscape.
