PLANS to build two industrial units on brownfield land in Ellesmere Port have been given the green light despite objections from nearby residents who have "massive" concerns over potential noise.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has approved the application to regenerate the former British Gas works site on North Road, which could lead to the creation of up to 190 jobs.

The proposal by West Yorkshire-based Commercial Development Projects Limited (CDPL) will see the construction of two industrial units – made available for either offices, general industry or storage and distribution – as well as external lighting, an electricity substation, car parking, service yards and other associated works.

However, the plans were met with several objections from residents living on a new housing development on Rossmore Road East which is adjacent to the site.

According to the council's planning report, potential noise is a "massive concern" for homeowners – both during construction and what the units will eventually be used for.

Objections also referred to the development having a "detrimental impact" on residents' standard of living due to lighting from the site, the creation of more than 100 parking spaces, and the potential for 24-hour operation.

In its planning application, CDPL states: "The site is brownfield land as it was previously occupied by the former British Gas works but it has since been cleared and is ready for development.

"The site is surrounded by a mix of uses with the new residential development underway although the focus is largely industrial with surrounding operators including the Regatta distribution centre and Ellesmere Port Scania.

"The proposed development primarily comprises two industrial units. Both units will be accessed from North Road and will have separate car parking, servicing and delivery yards.

"Overall, it is considered that the design approach represents a positive balance between supporting the operational requirements of future business occupiers and mitigating any adverse impacts on its surroundings."

Cheshire West and Chester Council case officer Paul Friston acknowledged that although there were concerns raised that weighed against the proposals, they were not sufficient enough to recommend refusal.

He said permission should be granted with numerous conditions, including a noise mitigation scheme being put in place before any construction work begins, and work only being carried out between 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am-1pm on Saturday.

Mr Friston said in his report: "Depending on the final mix of B2 and B8 uses for the site, job creation is estimated by the applicant to be between 98 and 190 FTE jobs, plus temporary construction employment.

"There would be social and environmental benefits too, through factors such as improved image and re-use of previously developed land. These benefits carry significant weight.

"The report above identifies some concerns with the development, including adverse impacts on residential amenity. There will be a reliance on matters including effective noise management of the development.

"There are also concerns over the amount of parking provision, which again could impact on residential amenity/convenience of nearby occupiers. These concerns weigh against the development.

"The scale and use of the development is likely to have some adverse impact on the neighbouring residents, and this also weighs against the development to an extent.

"However, overall the adverse impacts and concerns identified are not considered so significantly adverse, or sufficient to recommend refusal of permission.

"Overall, the development is considered to be in conformity with the development plan policies and that it represents sustainable development, which should be supported."