Residents’ success as Lymm Truckwash expansion rejected

A campaign by local residents, supported by Liberal Democrat Councillors Anna Fradgley and Dr Tim Martland, has helped persuade the Council to turn down the planning application to expand Lymm Truckwash. The Council said there was no reason to justify building on green belt and noted the proposal would have had an adverse impact on those living nearby.

The Truckwash opened in 2018 and at times has caused serious traffic problems with HGVs queuing on the main road and performing three-point turns on the A50. As a result, the owners submitted plans to expand the footprint of the site onto green belt, to install a fuel bunker and operate 24 hours a day.

Cllr Tim Martland says: The residents of the Lane End community at the top of Cherry Lane have been incredible in the amount of effort they have put into this campaign. Cllr Anna Fradgley has been helping them build their case against the development since last spring. Protecting our green belt against inappropriate development is one of the issues the Liberal Democrats are passionate about.

When I heard of the potential effects on air quality and the light and noise pollution, I added my support to the campaign. Families with young children live close to the facility and would have been adversely affected by more HGV traffic. We have also drawn the attention of the Council to aspects of the 2018 development which are yet to be properly completed. We hope these can be swiftly resolved. I know from talking to Fire Service chiefs that they were worried about lorries turning around in their station and obstructing access.

This demonstrates what local communities can do when energised and supported. The residents researched the issues thoroughly and campaigned passionately for what they believed was right. They are understandably delighted that the planning department found in their favour.