Councillors have approved two developments in Crewe which could create an estimated 2,900 jobs - despite suggestions the "grey sheds" would be a "blot on the landscape".
Muse Developments secured full planning permission for three large units for light industrial or warehousing and distribution on land at Basford East. They have a combined gross internal floorspace of 72,803sqm.
Outline approval was also granted on another part of the site for employment units suitable for offices as well as warehousing, manufacturing and distribution uses, with a combined gross internal floorspace of up to 53,463sqm.The site, which neighbours a 325-home development being built out by Taylor Wimpey, is allocated for employment use.
At the meeting of Cheshire East’s strategic planning board, public speakers called for the hybrid application to be deferred so the developer could come up with better designs for the buildings.
Haslington councillor Alison Heler (Con), speaking as a visiting member, said: “Grey sheds in a field will be a blot on the landscape and there must be better designs out there that can be looked into.”
Cllr Steve Edgar (Haslington, Con), said: “I recognise and support the need for jobs but this needs to be an exemplar build, something that Crewe can be proud of.”
Weston and Crewe Green Parish councillor John Cornell raised a number of concerns about the proposal at last Wednesday's meeting. These included the height of the buildings – up to 23m in some cases – and landscaping, as well as highways issues, particularly because Basford East is also due to house a school when the entire site is built out.
Planning officer Richard Taylor told members: “This is a strategic employment site. It’s important in terms of delivering jobs in Crewe and we have to balance the design of these units against the requirements of operators…
“The height of the buildings are a consequence of today’s operating requirements.”
Cllr Michael Gorman (Wilmslow, Ind) asked for reassurance regarding highways safety, especially with children getting to and from school.
Highways officer Paul Griffiths said improvements were being made to the road network in the local area and these were tied in with other applications.
The application was approved with conditions, including the setting up of a liaison group. Nine councillors voted in favour and one voted against.
