Deadline looms for Old Mill Quarter objections (From Crewe Guardian)
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Deadline looms for Old Mill Quarter objections
1:57pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News By Matthew Taylor
CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a new retail park in Sandbach are asking people to submit objections to the scheme before consultation ends.
There are two weeks to go to register opposition to the proposed Old Mill Quarter development along the A534 bypass.
Phase one of the development plans for a new supermarket, petrol station, garden centre, hotel, fast food outlets and office space.
Further plans propose building 650 new homes on farmland neighbouring the development.
Muller Property Group claim the £40 million retail resource will create more than 600 jobs and retain trade in Sandbach.
In a statement, a Stop Old Mill Quarter (STOP) group spokesman said the scheme would ‘destroy open countryside’ and would ‘change the market town forever.’
They added that increased traffic along Old Mill Road would encourage motorists to use adjacent roads used as ‘rat runs’, which in turn would have a ‘detrimental effect on the safety of local communities and vulnerable children playing outside and walking to and from school.’
STOP said the retail facility would reduce town centre trade for shops already struggling with the recession and destroy habitat used by rare wildlife like water voles.
Collin Muller, Muller’s chief executive, argued: “I believe that this scheme is desperately needed to stem the loss of trade from the town, generate new business for existing retailers, and create new jobs for the town.
“This is a real development scheme, supported by genuine named occupiers which can be delivered by Muller over the next two years. It will ensure the long-term survival of Sandbach as a vibrant and attractive market town for local residents and visitors.”
For more on STOP, visit www.stopoldmillquarter.co.uk Deadline for comments is Wednesday, October 3.
The proposal can be found on Cheshire East planning website under reference 12/3329C Alternativley, write to the Development Management, PO Box 606, Municipal Buildings, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 9HP.
