Square scheme would have hit Altrincham

9:00am Monday 28th April 2008

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THE planning inspector who gave the thumbs-down to the Hale Barns development was concerned that it would hit trade in Altrincham and the surrounding area.

Martin Pike believed that the centre, including a Waitrose supermarket, could flourish and "improve the vitality and viability of Hale Barns."

But this was outweighed by the harm the scheme would cause, Mr Pike said in his report. It would "divert a substantial amount of trade from Altrincham, the sub regional centre, and would attract significant custom from outside its catchment."

He played down claims the centre would cause traffic congestion, by saying that proposed highway measures would "at most times" succeed in controlling the situation.

Another objection to the proposal was the size of the development, which the council had said would be out of character with the area. But Mr Pike disagreed with this.

He said: "The buildings have been designed to a high standard and, notwithstanding their large size and imposing appearance, they would bring about a significant improvement to the character and visual amenity of the Square, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the site."

Despite this he concluded, in dismissing the appeal: "The decision requires a balanced judgement to be reached between the merits of the scheme and those aspects which would cause harm.

"I consider that the improvements to Hale Barns and other benefits of the scheme are not sufficient to outweigh my finding that the proposal is too large to be directly related to the role and function of the centre and its catchment."