New private medical facility for Crewe town centre recommended for approval
Plans for a new private medical facility in Crewe town centre have been recommended for approval - almost 12 months after its first application.
Cheshire Medical Centre (CMC), wants to base the health care provision in the vacant retail unit formerly occupied by the Donna Louise Charity Shop, Market Street.
Two separate applications have been submitted from CMC – one for 22a Market Street and the other for neighbouring number 20.
Both applications are seeking permission to construct a basement and build an additional storey to the properties - with a change of use to medical and health.
These applications from February, follow a previous one from the same company for a medical centre on the same site.
That was withdrawn following numerous objections - including proposals to add an extra three storeys.
This latest scheme has been called in by Crewe councillor Anthony Critchley (Labour), who asked for it to be decided by the southern planning committee instead of an officer under delegated authority.
Cllr Critchley said, in his call-in letter: "In an area of the town where fly-tipping and waste are commonplace, even with conditions relating to waste disposal provision, there needs to be a condition relating to a waste disposal plan, which can be discussed by members at committee – there is currently nothing relating to waste in the plans."
The Crewe Central councillor also raised concerns about the lack of parking and cycle storage.
Cllr Critchley added: "These proposals are much better than originally planned out.
"But, given the nature of the unit – a private medical facility and the comments made above about the material considerations that need to be addressed – a planning committee should be able to debate and scrutinise the plans further, making their decision in a public arena."
The submitted planning statement states the Cheshire Medical Centre will offer various services.
This will include a day surgery unit, poly clinics, renal dialysis unit, GP practice, laboratory facilities and a pharmacy.
Between 70 to 100 jobs would be created.
These would include doctors, nurses, receptionists, lab technicians, security, office staff, porters and domestic work.
Crewe Town Council has objected to the proposal on numerous grounds – and also says the two applications should have been submitted as one.
The town council says the proposals impact upon the setting of 24 Market Street, which is locally listed and Christ Church Tower, which is a Grade II listed building.
It also says the scheme constitutes over-development of the site and there is a lack of parking provision, particularly disabled parking.
Cheshire East's planning officer says the proposed use is considered to be compatible with the town centre and is acceptable in principle.
In a report due to go before Wednesday's meeting of the southern planning committee, the officer says: "The highways implications of the development are considered to be acceptable and the proposed development would comply with the council's parking standards.
"The amenity implications of the proposed development, including noise, air quality and contaminated land are considered to be acceptable."
He adds: "Finally, the development of the site would have some economic benefits through additional employment, and this does attract some weight."
Both applications – for 22a and 20 Market Street – will be considered at Wednesday's (August 3) meeting of the southern planning committee.
This will be taking place at 10am at Crewe Municipal Buildings.
Ryan Parker, Chief Reporter and Belinda Ryan, Local Democracy Reporter
READ MORE: National gym chain hopeful of 2023 Crewe opening - 'subject to planning permission.'
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