Plans have been submitted for a new Co-op store close to a high school.
The plans, submitted to St Helens Borough Council by Central England Cooperative, outline a new food store on Warrington Road, Rainhill. The site was formerly home to Cranford care home, until its demolition in 2014.
Also included in the application, is the inclusion of 26 new parking spaces for the site, three of which will be accessible spaces.
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Part of the design and access statement for the plans reads: "The scale of the new build development will not over power the site. The existing overall floor area of ‘Cranford Residential Home’ prior to demolition around 2014 was similar in size to the proposal, so in respect to site massing it would not be any worse than the previous use. The new construction will respect the character and appearance of the previous Care Home and surrounding area."
According to the plans, pedestrian access will not be affected by the development, however it will be "upgraded in such a way to provide a designated safe route to the new development."
The plans have sparked concern for people living in Rainhill however, with some believing that the new store will add to the already busy traffic in the area. One person said: "The traffic is bad enough now without more cars driving to the Co-op because it's further away from the convenient one in the village, not to mention the delivery wagons arriving to supply more stock. What have they got in mind for the old Co-op?"
The proposed store's close proximity to Rainhill High School has also caused concern for some people. One person said: "Whoever thinks this is a good idea hasn't witnessed the traffic chaos at start and close of school. Moreover this is right on top of a school patrol crossing and will create a high number of entries and exits on an already congested road. If, as suggested, it is a late closing store it will create a gathering place for gangs of kids around a footpath that already attracts uncontrolled behaviour."
You can view the plans here.
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