Driving test centre expansion at Car Licence Test Centre, Orford Community Hub, Warrington

“The proposal involves the re-organisation of internal office space within the Hub, no external alterations to the building are proposed. The proposal seeks a change of use for an adjoining office from office use (Class E) to a Driving Test Centre (Sui Generis) in order to expand an existing test centre to create a total of 72.2m². Whilst the proposed accommodation would function largely as an office, it is 191”

“The proposed increase in office space comprises giving up over 22m² of space on the north west corner of the building, formerly called the Community room and Mess room adjacent to the front entrance of the building and taking up a larger room on the north side of the building towards the rear (see Fig.4).”

“The application site is located in a Council owned community building situated in Festival Avenue, in the Orford area of Warrington. The site is surrounded by predominantly residential areas and the wider site comprises a heath/care centre on Capesthorne Road and Orford Community Hub on Festival Avenue.”

“The original driver’s test centre comprised some 32m² which was increased by 22m² in 2017 with the addition of a room known as the Mess room. This space is located to the north west corner of the Orford Community Hub building, facing Festival Avenue.”

“Planning Ref: 2017/31716 Description of Development: Non material amendment sought for proposed extension to testing services through demolition of internal wall from additional 22m² of floorspace for testing uses, provision of an additional parking space and increase in examiners on site from 4 to 6. Decision: Granted Date of Decision: 19/12/2017 Planning Ref: 2012/20039 Description of Development: Proposed change of use to car licence test centre.”

“The application was publicised by 33 neighbour notification letters and a Site Notice. No objections based on material planning grounds have been received as a result of the publicity given to the application.”

“However, subsequently on the basis of a further submission, Highways DC have removed their objection subject to conditions to restrict the proposed increase in driving examiners to 7 in total operating from the site at any one time and with the use of 14 allocated parking spaces in the Hub car park.”

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