RESIDENTS have objected to a revised scheme for homes on a derelict Crewe brownfield site because no parking is provided – which was one reason planners turned down a previous application.
The latest proposal for the site at 332 West Street is for seven homes, comprising six three-bed and one two-bed dwellings.
It comes after Cheshire East Council refused an application in January for nine homes on the land because of the impact on neighbours in relation to overlooking, over-development of the site and the lack of parking.
At the time of writing, six residents and ward councillor James Pratt (Con) have objected because of the parking concerns.
Cllr Pratt said: “The issue still stands that there is no provision for parking.
“This would likely cause issues for existing residents in nearby streets with residents of the proposed development seeking on-street parking nearby, where there is already high demand for parking in the area.”
A resident from nearby Bessemer Way said: “It cannot be expected that the new residents will not have access to vehicles.
“They will have to park on nearby side streets, and on Bessemer Way near to the traffic lights and therefore interfere with the flow of traffic and likely to hinder emergency vehicles.”
One resident has written to the council is support of the scheme saying: “There are bus stops nearby, which serve two bus routes, meaning car use should not be necessarily the primary mode of transport.”
A design and access statement submitted by Origin3 Ltd on behalf of the applicant, says cycle storage with electrical bike charging points is proposed.
It adds: “Vehicular parking at a small site in a central, sustainable and urban location such as this is not considered necessary.
“Removing cars from the development will assist in reducing air quality impacts on a busy road and accord with emerging climate change initiatives.”
The 0.12 hectare site is between the predominantly three-storey residential development along Bessemer Way and St. Barnabas Parish Church Hall and car park.
The land previously housed a Scout hut and small-scale workshops, although these were demolished about 10 years ago.
The planning document submitted on behalf of the applicant, says: “Each dwelling provides sufficient indoor living space for the number of occupants it would serve.”
It adds: "Each dwelling will benefit from a private garden and has been orientated to minimise the likelihood of overlooking inwards and outwards.”
The application, number 24/1210N, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website.
The last date for submitting comments is May 8 and the application is due to be determined by a planning officer under delegated authority.
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