Mixed reviews of Brooks Lane and marina plans

Residents and businesses were invited to have their say on the council’s vision for the site, which is allocated within the Local Plan for up to 200 homes, a marina, and employment space.

The proposals also feature public open space, cycling and walking routes, and land set aside for the potential reopening of Middlewich’s passenger railway station.

CEC put the plans out to the public in January to gauge opinion, with a consultation closing last week garnering responses from residents.

Sara Oberland lent her support to the planning document, saying: “I would prefer to live in a residential area rather than an industrial. I feel Middlewich does need development and welcome any changes to improve the area.

“I do, however, share concerns regarding the traffic, and the only exit being at the 'Boars Head' end of Brooks Lane.

“This is already severely congested at peak times and I have witnessed a lot of reckless driving from cars wishing to turn right driving on the wrong side of the road.”

She added: “There must be a solution to reducing the traffic by creating alternative exits to the planned new builds.”

Meanwhile, Adrian Frodsham said: “It’s nice to see a development which will enhance the local area. It has my full support.”

There were concerns, however, that the development could exacerbate longstanding infrastructure pressures within the town.

Tim Ripley said: “On the face of it would be a good use of the land. The problem is that these small developments have been taking place for decades with no thought to improving the infrastructure of the town.

“The roads, cycle paths, car parks, walkways, bridges, train station and the large car park it will require – they need to be built before any future developments take place.”

Mr Ripley added that the proposed HS2 rolling stock depot at Wimboldsley would – along with this development – serve to sandwich the town with construction work.

Middlewich Town Council members had voiced objections to the plan during the early stages of the consultation, with Cllr David Latham voicing concerns of nearby businesses.

A consultation comment from Road Beta-based Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd said the council’s plan did not take into account how the development would integrate with existing uses.

Its fleet of lorries often enter and leave the industrial estate overnight and at weekends.

The company’s response said: “The proposed residential development is still likely to be detrimentally impacted by the neighbouring retained employment land, which includes a number of large industrial businesses.

“As a result of the close proximity of the proposed development, these trips will be passing directly through the proposed residential development and could therefore impact on health, safety and noise levels for the residents.”