Congleton regeneration scheme déjà vu

In May, Cheshire East Council agreed to sell land to enable the Scarborough Development Group (SDG) to progress its plans to create a modern mixed-use retail and leisure scheme, a new market square, improved market facility, car parking and new public toilets.

As the scheme could entail the loss of open space and some car parking, the council is inviting comments or objections, which must be lodged with the council by Friday September 8 and the council has issued public notices relating to open space at Princess Street, Stonehouse Green and The Market Place in Congleton under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972. Car parks at Stonehouse Green and Princess Street are included in the initial proposals.

Councillor Don Stockton, cabinet member for regeneration and assets, said: “We are aware that there is a considerable amount of local interest in this development and we would encourage everyone with a view on this scheme to engage in this process.

“The council is disposing of land to enable a suitable scheme to go forward but there will be certain conditions once the proposals reach the planning stage.

“The council has long held aspirations to see this part of Congleton town centre regenerated and this is an opportunity to progress those ambitions.”

Scarborough Development Group has informed Cheshire East Council that they intend to engage fully with stakeholders, including the market traders, and will undertake a comprehensive public consultation prior to submitting a planning application.

The disposal of council-owned land will only be completed if planning consent is granted. Scarborough Development Group aims to ensure the market continues to function through the development process.

Full details of the proposals, including the disposal of land, can be viewed at the council’s headquarters in Sandbach or via Cheshire East’s statutory public notices section.

Ed: Council selling off land for redevelopment – at the cost of car parking . . . “modern mixed-use retail and leisure scheme . . . intend to engage fully with stakeholders . . . . undertake a comprehensive public consultation” . . . Remind you of somewhere not a million miles away?