Neston ready for questions over supermarket plan

May 28 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Neston News

NESTON residents have just over a week to request to speak at a special planning meeting that will discuss the future of their town centre.

The meeting, which takes place at 6.15pm on June 12, at Neston Civic Hall, Hinderton Road, will consider several planning applications including one proposing a major redevelopment of Neston.

This covers plans for a superstore, flats, decked parking, community facility units and a new town square/market area.

Neston and Ellesmere Port Borough Council has extended its scheme for public-speaking at planning committee meetings because of the importance of the issue.

Members of the public will now have up to three minutes each to speak - this will give a total of 30 minutes to objectors and 10 minutes to supporters.

Ward councillors - not planning committee members - will also have up to three minutes each to speak and the applicant or agent will have up to 20 minutes.

As the period allocated for public speaking is limited, individuals wishing to speak at the meeting, either for or against the application, are strongly encouraged to appoint a spokesperson to speak on their behalf.

Marie Hughes, a friend of Neston Library, said: “It is very important to register if you wish to speak because the applicant still hasn’t got planning permission.

“Building the new Sainsbury's is not an open and shut case yet, so it is important for our community to air their views.

“The main application for the supermarket will affect Neston Library which is why I will be attending the meeting.

“The applicant wants to use the gravel and grass area at the back of the library as a temporary car park while they carry out building work.

“There will be a speaker talking on our behalf to address this issue.”

Requests must be made on the official “request to speak at committee” form. Copies can be obtained from the council’s planning services unit on 0151 356 6380/6381.

All requests must be received no later than noon on Monday, June 9.