It’s been a busy year for Cheshire West and Chester’s planning department, with a number of applications due to be decided in the coming months.

Bratts Northwich

The iconic Bratts department store in Northwich could be converted into 17 flats and two shops if proposals get the go ahead.

The iconic family-run store closed for good in 2021 following more than 160 years in business.

The plans can be viewed on Cheshire West’s council’s planning portal under reference number 22/03942/FUL

Northwich Guardian: The former Bratts department store in NorthwichThe former Bratts department store in Northwich (Image: Rose Hurley)

Miller & Carter Middlewich

Plans have been submitted to turn the vacant former Harvester Salt Cellar in Holmes Chapel Road into a Miller & Carter steakhouse.

The application includes a double-sided entrance sign, a post-mounted advertisement sign, and two sets of illuminated letters mounted on the sides of the restaurant. The plans will be considered by Cheshire East council under the reference number 22/3011C.

Northwich Guardian: The former Harvester siteThe former Harvester site (Image: Google)

Starbucks & Burger King Northwich 

The former Car Centre car showroom and Enterprise Rent a Car buildings in Northwich could be transformed into a drive-thru Starbucks and Burger King.

A planning application has been lodged for vacant land off Station Road and Leicester Street. The plans include building three new units for business or industrial use, and re-purposing an existing building into a new unit. 

The plans can be viewed on Cheshire West council’s planning portal under: 22/03738/FUL.

Northwich Guardian: The former car showroom and rental siteThe former car showroom and rental site (Image: Google)

Oaklands School in Winsford 

Oaklands School, in Montgomery Way, has applied to Cheshire West and Chester Council for a multi use games area, which will ‘provide children with a dedicated space for specific, structured games’. The space would measure 20m by 10m, consist of 2m-high rebound fencing to all sides, have two access gates and 14mm sports grass surfacing with sports markings.

The plans can be viewed at: 22/02418/FUL.

Northwich Guardian: Oaklands School Oaklands School (Image: Google)

Discount store Northwich 

Two stores at Northwich Retail Park are set to be turned into one large discount store with garden centre. 

Planning chiefs have already rubber-stamped the plans but remain tight-lipped on which discount store will be moving in. 

The combined site spans 2,502 sq m and is currently comprised of four units. One is currently occupied by Carpet Right and another by Peacocks. Two others are empty but were previously home to Sports Direct and Argos.

Northwich Guardian: The proposed units at Northwich retail park The proposed units at Northwich retail park (Image: Google)

Starbucks & KFC Winsford 

Residents in Winsford will be hoping for clarity around plans for a KFC and Starbucks drive-thru, more than a year after plans were first submitted.

An application was submitted to transform vacant land off Nat Lane, near the Wharton Retail Park. Outline planning permission is also being sought for a third 'drive-to' restaurant at the site, however an occupant is yet to be confirmed.

The plans can be viewed under 21/04216/FUL.