CBRE secures resi planning for old PZ Cussons site

CB Richard Ellis has secured outline planning permission for 71 residential units, with associated parking and open space on behalf of PZ Cussons at its fragrance chemicals plant in Ellesmere Port.

The planning permission, which was among the first major consents to be awarded by the new Cheshire West & Chester Council, was negotiated to incorporate a longer time limit of five years for submitting reserved matters instead of the standard three.

Laurie Lane, senior planning consultant at CBRE North West commented: "The current market remains very difficult and will continue to be challenging into 2010. By securing an extension on the permission time limit to five years, developers interested in the site will have the best possible chance of securing the necessary funding within a realistic time frame."

PZ Cussons is to close its fragrance chemicals plant in Ellesmere Port in order to relocate production and 25 jobs to its new £26m site in Manchester Business Park.

CB Richard Ellis will be marketing the Ellesmere Port site. Steven Verity, director of residential at CBRE North West, said: "There is currently a lack of quality housing provision in Ellesmere Port, with the site traditionally regarded as a primarily industrial location when, in fact, positioned between Manchester and Liverpool and in close proximity to the Cheshire countryside, the town is a fantastic residential location."