Three consulting rooms at Padgate Medical Centre, Warrington

What was proposed

A temporary portacabin would provide three consulting rooms beside the medical centre for two years, with changes to the existing car park.

“Warrington East Scout group and to the east is Padgate Community Centre building and associated grassed open space. A pedestrian access at the side of the Community Centre, provides a link from the car park to Mullion Grove and the residential estate beyond. The surface of the car park is tarmacked and well demarcated and provides 47 free public parking spaces and 5 disabled car parking spaces.”

“The proposal is for a single storey portacabin to be placed in the car park close to the Medical Centre. The proposed portacabin would be positioned parallel to the west facing side elevation of the Medical Centre and circa 4.34m away and 1.2m from the kerb line of the footpath in order to allow space for an access ramp to be located leading from the pedestrian access on Station Road South to a door in the rear elevation of the portacabin.”

Officer report

The site

The site is part of a council-owned public car park beside the medical centre, community facilities and nearby homes.

“The application site is located in part of a Council owned car park situated on Station Road South adjacent to Padgate Medical Centre and in a predominantly residential area. Padgate Medical Centre is a part single/part two storey purpose built facility designed to provide health services to the local community and is part of East Warrington Primary Care Network.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included an approved doctor’s surgery building and residential development, while a telephone box and ATM proposal was refused.

“Planning Ref: 2006/09454 Description of Development: Proposed retention of existing public telephone box and change of use to form combined public payphone & automated telling machine (ATM) Decision: Refused Date of Decision: 12/01/2007 Planning Ref: 91/28390 Description of Development: Erection of single storey building for doctor’s surgery with first floor staff room 127”

“Decision: Approved with conditions Date of Decision: 05/02/1992 Planning Ref: 91/27534 Description of Development: Outline (DISTRICT) application for proposed residential development Decision: Approved subject to conditions Date of Decision: 03/07/1991”

Officer report

What consultees said

Environmental protection, transport, trees, the Health and Safety Executive and other consultees raised no objection or sought conditions, while Cadent requested further information.

“North West Operations Plant Protection (Cadent Gas Ltd) – Objection – further information required.”

“It should be noted that due to the urgency of addressing the short fall in health care provision, this application has come before planning committee prior to the conclusion of the statutory consultation period which runs until the 16 th January 2026.”

Officer report

What local people said

Four neighbour responses raised concerns about the portacabin’s appearance, parking, flooding and whether the car park could take heavy vehicles.

“The application was publicised by 25 neighbour notification letters. 4 neighbour responses were received as a result of the publicity given to the application. One response expressed concerns regarding the reduction in parking however seemed to be referring to a recent application in this area – for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and not the subject application. Objections to the proposal based on material planning grounds have been summarised below:”

“The existing car park is very busy and the proposal will reduce parking. • 4 to 5 parking bays have already been taken up by the two new cottages.”

Officer report

Representations heard

Representations were heard both in favour of and against the application.

Members considered the report

Members noted the contents of the report and the update note before determining the application.

“Members noted the content of the report and the update note.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to approve the application with conditions in line with the officer recommendation.

“The application was approved with conditions as per officer recommendations.”

Minutes