Working with Urban Design & Consult, Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission that will allow the change the use of a warehouse (use class B8) to an ambulance station with staff facilities (sui generis use class) on behalf of the NHS Property Services. This will create a hub for workers of the North-West neo-natal services to rest, use washing facilities and work in office and admin rooms. The development will mean there will be a greater provision of medical and health services within the area, expanding the work of the North-West neo-natal services.
The location of the site is in an existing employment area with excellent links via the motorway network to Merseyside and Greater Manchester, and via Burtonwood Road to the wider Cheshire Area. This sustainable location will help the ambulance service reach patients throughout the northwest quickly and efficiently in the case of providing contingency emergency cover.
During the post-submission process, we corresponded with the Council’s highway consultation to rectify concerns regarding traffic, parking and highways. We concluded that there was substantial parking on site for the staff members of the hub and conditions were put into place within the decision to ensure this continues for any future changes to the hub. Additionally, there will be no further highway safety issues from the development.
The officer concluded that the proposal complies with the relevant policies of the Development Plan. The proposal will re-purpose an existing building and create an employment-generating use which will provide a positive impact on sustaining the local economy and services. Additionally, the siting of the proposal makes use of existing major transport corridors, and the inclusion of EV charging points and cycle storage will make a small contribution towards a reduction in the impact of additional vehicles. This will mitigate climate change impacts and improve local air quality.
Planning & Design Practice have a wealth of experiencing in securing planning permission for commercial projects, in particular the provision of health care facilities and services. We are pleased to be working as planning consultants for the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust to deliver new buildings and facilities across Southern Derbyshire & East Staffordshire. We look forward to seeing this project progress to provide an efficient location for the ambulance hub in Warrington.
Megan Askham, Planner – Planning & Design Practice Ltd.
