Maze in Middlewich and Morecambe....

August and September have seen key MAZE-led projects maturing. Major development schemes in Middlewich and Morecambe, both subject to planning applications since the start of the year, are now on the verge of securing formal planning permission.

Proposals by John Radcliffe & Sons for a 4490sqm retail park development in Middlewich, Cheshire, secured Congleton Borough Council's approval in mid-August. The need to agree a development of appropriate quality and the potential affect of the scheme on a number of protected trees on and near the site took time to resolve. A planning agreement to secure funding for local bus accessibility improvements and the detailed wording of planning conditions is all that remains to be settled before the formal consent is issued.

Morecambe Football Club's proposals for a new stadium, and associated hotel and restaurants at Westgate are in similarly good shape. Planning Committee approval was secured on 1st September and the Secretary of State promptly confirmed there would be no need for the application to be called-in for inquiry. Discussions to settle a legal agreement and planning conditions are continuing, covering a broad range of issues including the need to bind the development Travel Plan and Spectator Management Strategy into the permission.