A development within Crewe town centre has been given approval - following months of frustration from residents that a popular car park had permanently closed.

Yesterday (May 4), Nub News reported that Cheshire East Council had provided an update on the 'LY2' development.

The council offered an explanation why the Lyceum Square car park off Health Street, had been closed for over 18 months.

Today (May 5), Cheshire East Council has approved the events and performance space development at Lyceum Square with conditions.

Comments for the planning application closed on October 20, drawing in multiple representations from members of the public.

A number of Crewe residents have been frustrated that Lyceum Square car park has been closed for over 18 months (Ryan Parker).

A Crewe resident from Franklyn Avenue said: "A great proposal. I fully support the development of an arts and culture space in town.

"This knits well with the theatre and Market Hall in close proximity. Any lost parking can be developed with the new parking areas in the town's redevelopment plan."

The £750,000 Crewe Town Board project was first proposed in September 2021. It will include a new events stage and integrated digital screen.

Local business The Sewing Box, neighbouring the development said: "We have no objections with the plans but do have the following concerns:

"Traders and delivery drivers will still need access to Heath Street 24/7. Also, behind our shop is a small private car park which we use daily.

"The proposed road in front of the Lyceum Theatre seems to encroach into the proposed event area. Through traffic will be a danger to the people standing in the events area.

"Our major concern is no one seems to be responsible for controlling the pedestrian zone which should restrict traffic going past the Grand Junction pub then turning left into the town.

"The gate is broken and at present cars are speeding though the Lyceum Square and onwards into the pedestrian zone.

"There are also numerous boy racer drivers parking outside the Grand Junction pub collecting fast food, orders, such as Deliveroo.

"Someone is going to get run over if action not taken now. The gates need replacing now and closed during the designated times."

The existing outdoor market shed roof will become an arts and cultural market space (Cheshire East Council)..

As part of the LY2 proposals, a performance area will be constructed with a raised stage created with shipping containers.

The existing outdoor market shed roof will become an arts and cultural market space.

New street lights and street furniture will be constructed, aiming to brighten up the area at night and 'define a new identity' for Lyceum Square.

The settings of the listed buildings - Crewe Lyceum Theatre and Crewe Market Hall will also be enhanced through new wall mounted amenity lighting.

The Sewing Box added: "We have reported the gate issue to Cheshire East Council, Cheshire East Councillors and Traffic Wardens.

"We also told our local MP and Police Inspector when they held a recent surgery in the Market Hall.

"As part of the £750k Lyceum Square can we request this gate outside the Junction pub is replaced, surely only about a £2k cost.

"Then the gate is closed between 10am until 4pm like the signage states. By doing this, it will reduce the number of vehicles entering the Lyceum Square."

The existing car park will be removed to allow for the creation of a pedestrian priority space with the opportunity to use the whole of the square for temporary events (Ryan Parker).

There was a total of 11 representations from members of the public. More than half were negative.

A resident of Pool Lane, Winterley, said: "I am concerned that not enough consideration has been given to the logistics of how access will be managed.

"If there were a free shuttle bus from the station to the new 'cultural centre,' that might encourage people to use public transport.

"I regret the loss of nearby parking right outside the theatre.

"I know there were not enough spaces for everyone but immediately-close parking for those with poor mobility but who don't qualify for a blue badge was a real plus.

"Perhaps the space could be used for events during the day and reopened for parking after 6pm?"

Under the approved proposals, the existing car park will be removed to allow for the creation of a pedestrian priority space with the opportunity to use the whole of the square for temporary events.

Service and emergency access will be retained alongside disabled parking, but the parking will be relocated to allow for' better use of the space' and enhanced pedestrian safety around key building entrances.

The planning officer for the LY2 development concluded: "The proposed development will enhance the application site and provide positive planning benefits in terms of street scene and its future use.

The LY2 development proposals with stage, digital screen, street furniture and more (Cheshire East Planning).

"The proposal, as revised, will not have any visual harm to the setting of the two adjacent listed Buildings.

"Therefore, the proposed development complies with the Development Plan and guidance within the National Planning Policy Framework."

READ MORE: Cheshire East provide response to Crewe Lyceum Square car park closure.

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