Westminster Park Residents Association

A planning application (23/01418/TEL) has been submitted to the Council to erect a 15 metre high mast and large cabinets close to the Coop at Westminster Park shops.  Although we are aware that 5G masts are needed, WPRA does not consider this to be the right place for it and we urge you to object to it.  The more objections received, the more the Council have to listen, so please don’t think it’s not worth doing!

The key points of objection are:

• The 2m tall cabinets will cause road safety problems by interfering with the line of sight of motorists and cyclists using the shop car park.
• The cabinets will interfere with the line of sight of pedestrians crossing the entrance to the car park.
• Narrowing this busy pavement will cause congestion and upset. The Site Plan does not show the electric scooter park which is also on this area of footpath alongside the bike park.
• The wall adjacent to this site is used as a resting place by the elderly when visiting the shops or waiting for the bus as there is no bench in the vicinity. This amenity will be lost.
• The height of the pole is more than double the height of surrounding buildings and will dominate an area which local people have worked hard to make attractive. The Proposed Site Elevation drawing is very misleading, showing several tall trees close to the pole.  There are no tall trees nearby; the pole will be highly visible and have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area.
• Residents living nearby are very upset at the prospect of their outlook being changed to one dominated by the pole and cabinets. Their visual amenity will be lost.  This equipment also emits noise which will be disturbing to local residents.
• We have worked hard to improve the attractiveness of this area by planting trees and installing planters.  It is the place where our Christmas tree is sited in December.  It is also the location of Incredible Edible raised beds.
• The plans are inaccurate and misleading and the search for sites has not been robust.

Our view is that this application should be refused and the applicants should find a more suitable location such as Westminster Park.

Every objection counts, so please comment now. Quote planning application number: 23/01418/TEL, your name and address.  The closing date for comments is 13 June.

How to comment:

1. Via the CWAC system.

To comment on a planning application you will need to register.  This will update their system automatically, publish your comments online, and make them available to the planning officer.

2. Email: planning@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
3. By post to:  Planning, Cheshire West and Chester Council,  The Portal,  Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA

You are all welcome to attend the Westminster Park Residents’ Association’s AGM at Westminster Park Community Centre.

We will report on WPRA’s activities in the past year and elect Committee Officers and members. We currently have three vacancies on our committee, so please consider joining us to make a difference to our neighbourhood.

It is also a good opportunity for residents to meet committee members, make suggestions for improvements and raise matters of concern.

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Taylor Wimpey have recently submitted revised plans to the Council for the part of the Wrexham Road development backing onto Sherbourne Avenue and Five Ashes Road/Rowcliffe Avenue. We have a meeting with them on Monday to put forward residents’ views and questions. If you have anything that you want me to put to them, please contact me. The plan reference number is 22/03064/FUL and you can find them at this address: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-control/see-or-comment-on-planning-applications

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CWaC is seeking views on Electric Vehicle (EV) charging within the borough. Please see (attached) summary version of the consultation document and for completion of the consultation online: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CWAC-EVconsultation/ or email your views to: transportstrategy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

The deadline is Wednesday, 15^th March 2023

Having declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 uptake of EVs has grown rapidly and there are increasing requests from communities for CWaC to provide more charging facilities. Making it easier to change to EV is part of the Climate Emergency Response Plan, which first promote active travel – walking cycling and wheeling – or public transport, followed by a transition to zero-emission vehicles, where car-travel is unavoidable.

The EV charging strategy sets out how CWaC and its partners will support the transition to EV within this framework by providing comprehensive, accessible and efficient charging infrastructure.

Potential locations for charging EV include key destinations – such as Chester city-centre, supermarkets and restaurants, plus along routes across the wider borough, as well as at residents’ homes. Delivering the level of charging infrastructure required to meet future demand will require close partnership working between CWaC and private operators.

The adoption of local EV charging infrastructure will support submissions to the Government’s ‘Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund’ which is expected to be launched soon.