Weaverham apartment plans for public toilets are withdrawn

The plans, which proposed to build three apartments, met with a setback last month when a highways report raised concerns about on-street parking.

The toilets were bought by a developer for six times the asking price when they were sold at auction in August last year.

Previously owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council, the toilets had been given planning permission in 2009 to be converted into office use for Weaverham Parish Council. However, those plans failed to materialise, and the toilets sat empty for a number of years.

The withdrawal of the plans follows the publication of a further report, this time produced by the local flood authority.

The public toilets haven't been used for a number of years

That report stated that the toilets are located in flood zone 1 – but also within an area at risk of surface water – and that the plans didn’t include a suitable drainage layout.

“There is no drainage layout proposed for the apartment building,” it said.

“The application form indicates connection of surface water into an existing watercourse, but location has not been provided or whether it is intended to utilise an existing connection.

“Foul water discharge connection has not been confirmed.

“No development shall commence until a foul and surface water drainage layout for the site, based on sustainable drainage principles has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

“The development shall be constructed and completed in accordance with the approved details.

“This pre-commencement condition is required to prevent the increased risk of flooding, to improve and protect water quality and ensure future maintenance of the surface water drainage system.”