Plans to knock down two buildings at a Huyton industrial estate and build 24 units in its place have been approved despite fears over air quality in the area.
The proposals, to demolish two industrial buildings at Huyton Trade Park on Wilson Road in Huyton were submitted to Knowsley Council by Derwent Development Management Ltd earlier this year.
The applicant stated it wants to redevelop a site containing “existing tired buildings” to create “flexible employment units” made up on light and general industry and logistical businesses.
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The scheme involves a nearly 2 hectare site and would create 24 units in two blocks after demolishing two existing industrial units. 177 parking bays, 22 cycle spaces and eight motorcycle spaces were also included in the application.
According to a planning officer’s report, concerns were raised by Environmental Health over the air quality impact of the development.
Whilst air quality assessments concluded the development would have a “negligible impact on air quality” with minimal increases in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, environmental health officers expressed concerns at the wider impact of the plans given two major housing developments taking place nearby, stating that the proposals could not be taken “in isolation.”
The planning report stated: “Environmental Health are concerned that the proposed development would introduce additional vehicular movements into an area where there are instances of poor air quality – in particular around Cronton Road / Whitefield Lane.”
However, planning officers stated that given that modelling only showed “negligible increase” in toxic particles then it is not considered there would be “sufficient justification to refuse permission.”
Officers said that it would be unlikely the local authority could “robustly defend any such refusal at planning appeal.”
The report recommended approval of the plans, which was subsequently granted under a delegated decision, meaning the redeveloipnent work can now go ahead.
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