Shopping site plan withdrawn hours before meeting

Some traders were given eviction notices in February

Controversial plans which could potentially have allowed a building owner to convert part of a shopping centre into residential accommodation have been withdrawn just hours before they were due to be decided on by councillors.

The proposals for the CPS Centre in Culcheth included changes to bikes and bin storage and the building itself but not a change of use, although Warrington Council officers said a future intention for residential did "appear to be the case".

The scheme has been controversial after traders were evicted from the centre, and it was raised in parliament by the area's MP.

The BBC has contacted the agent representing the owner for a comment.

Nearly 140 objections to the scheme had been raised by locals and councillors, with residents planning to attend the meeting later to show their concern.

Officers at the council had recommended the scheme for approval in a report produced ahead of the meeting.

A previous plan for the site was rejected by the authority last year.

Matt Smith, Labour councillor for Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft, said: "Our community really came together to fight this potential threat to the CPS Centre.

"The disappointment is that the applicant left it until now to withdraw, they could have taken this step weeks ago when they saw the objections come in."

Smith, who was due to speak against the plans at the meeting, said: "I'm sure there will be further applications in the future, but for now, it's fair to say our voices have been heard loud and clear."