Park Farm Marina gets permission for new café and shower block

Park Farm Marina in Northwich has finally been granted planning permission by Cheshire West and Chester Council for a new building at the site.

This 'necessary' facility will provide those using one of the site’s 150 permanent moorings with laundry and shower facilities, office space, storage, and a café.

Recommending the plans be approved, case officer Lynsey Logue said: “Currently the marina has very limited facilities and the proposal would contribute towards improving the management of the site.

“Much of the facilities proposed under this development are required for the functionality of the marina and are required to be in this location.

“The development would be ancillary to the main mooring facilities, and provide offices, and shower and laundry facilities for both those residing and holidays in the marina, enhancing the existing marine and tourism facilities within the borough.

“The proposed development also includes a restaurant that would serve the occupants of the marina and surrounding mooring community.”

What the bar area could look like (Image: CWAC/MYA)

A planning application for the development was first submitted nearly three years ago, in May 2021.

Several concerns were raised, including from Davenham Parish Council who noted a planning application had been submitted around eight years prior which was rejected because of the 'dangerous exit'.

While neighbouring Oakwood Marina didn’t 'formally object' to the plans they did question why their rivals seem to be given more flexible outcomes with regards to planning.

They also raised concerns over parking, traffic, the scale of the development and the necessity of the shower block.

The designs have been prepared by Mark Yates Architects (Image: CWAC/MYA)

As such, 'extensive consultations' have taken place resulting in 'substantial' design changes, with the scheme 'reduced in scale several times'.

“We believe the revised design solution is carefully considered to meet the requirements of the local authority, incorporating all the significant amendments requested, whilst also responding to the site and its immediate context in an appropriate manner,” reads an amended design and access statement prepared by Mark Yates Architects.

“By using materials already found throughout the site in a contemporary way, the new building aims to embed itself into the existing language of the marina.

“We believe the accompanying planning application and drawing package demonstrate a level of care and investment from the applicant to provide a new high-quality facility which is fit for both purpose and place.”