Seddon’s SME-focused rethink clears planning
The developer has secured the go-ahead for 12 flexible business units adding up to 24,700 sq ft at Cheshire Oaks.
Advised by Asteer, Seddon vehicle SD Cheshire Oaks sought permission for two blocks of two-story unis, able to be used as offices or light industrial. KPP is the architect.
At Lloyd Drive, Ellesmere Port, the site is adjacent to an existing office block with the Cheshire Oaks business park commercial allocation.
Full consent had been secured by Seddon and Asteer in 2022 for an 80-bed older persons’ care home, and a specialist 24-bed unit, but as set out in Asteer’s covering letter, “those plans are no longer feasible for the proposed operator,” leading the developer to switch focus to SME units within the plot’s southern parcel. The land is mostly rough gravel hardstanding.
As set out in the planning officer report, the site is bounded to the north and west by residential development, to the east by Cheshire Oaks Business Park, and to the south by the A5117 Strawberry Way East.
The planning officer report summed up that “the proposed development would be of economic benefit, creating new employment units that can be adapted to the changing needs of the end user.”
A decision notice was issued on 16 February. Scheme documents can be viewed on Cheshire West & Chester Council’s planning portal, reference 24/01176/FUL.
