Plans to expand a car dealership’s car park in Cheshire countryside have been knocked back at the second time of asking.
Back in March, members of Cheshire West and Chester's planning committee debated an application by Mangoletsi Ltd on London Road, in Allostock, to extend its existing car park from 27 to 63 spaces.
Officers had recommended approval but during that meeting, members were not satisfied to pass a motion to approve or refuse with officers advising if the application were to be deferred, they would bring back a proposed reason for refusal informed by their debate.
A proposal to defer the application, to allow officers to consider the points raised and bring back a proposed reason for refusal, taking into account issues of cumulative impact on the development of the site, impacting the rural nature of site and neighbour amenity, was carried unanimously.
And yesterday (Tuesday) the committee convened again where they agreed to back the reason for refusal.
The reason given in full, was: "The proposed development, in combination with the cumulative impact of previous extensions and development, would not be proportionate to, or in keeping with, the nature and scale of the site and its wider setting.
"The resulting urbanisation of the Cheshire countryside, by reason of the additional parking and increase in the footprint of the overall site, would fail to protect the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside in this location."
The plans had originally been called in by Shakerley ward councillor Mark Stocks.
Addressing the committee yesterday, he said: "I welcome the recommendation that's been brought back to committee today.
"I think it does take notice of the local resident’s position with regard to this particular development. The development does intrude heavily onto his home and the residential amenity that he has. But I think the over-development at this site has been there for many, many years."
The committee voted unanimously to reject the application.
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