Council takes just 15 minutes to approve new Mornflake development in Crewe
Cheshire East has given the go-ahead for one of Crewe's major employers to extend an existing warehouse, creating an extra 10 jobs.
The southern planning committee took less than 15 minutes on Wednesday 6 March to approve the application from Mornflake to provide additional storage and loading facilities at the warehouse on Third Avenue.
Planning officer, Gareth Taylerson, told the committee: "The main issue here is the design and the height.
"It is a big building, but there are bigger buildings around. You have to weigh the visual aspects against the economic benefits."
He named a few other tall buildings in the area, including Crewe Alexandra stadium at 29 metres and Rail House at 45 metres high.
Applicant, James Lea, told the committee the building had to be high because of the technology needed for the operation.
"It's automated technology and the nature of such buildings is that the cranes that operate inside them are specific sizes and that's what determines the height," he said.
The committee heard from Mr Lea that Mornflake, which makes oat-based breakfast cereals, has operated from its Gresty Road site in Crewe for 175 years and next year would be celebrating 350 years in the borough.
"We're part of the fabric of this community and specifically this town," said Mr Lea.
He said the company had expanded on to the industrial estate in the 1970s and 'we've built there every decade since and this represents a leap forward to the future for our company and our worldwide presence via Crewe'.
Cllr Andrew Kolker (Dane Valley, Conservative), praised Mornflake for its investment in the town but said the proposed building 'doesn't have a great deal of architectural merit'.
"Big buildings don't have to be ugly buildings," he said.
The committee moved to the vote without any debate, with Haslington councillor Steve Edgar (Conservative), proposing the application be approved and Nantwich councillor Anna Burton (Labour), seconding.
The Mornflake application was approved with seven councillors voting in favour and two abstaining.
READ MORE: Crewe shop with five-star Google reviews celebrates six months in business.
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