Revised plans to transform Chester Racecourse set to go ahead

Chester Racecourse

Plans to transform Chester Racecourse look set for approval.

Earlier this year a £100m masterplan was refused planning permission by concillors.

But a revised scheme now looks set to win planning permission.

The racecourse has been has carried out a consultation to address the issues raised by planners.

And a new application has been lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Two buildings have been combined to provide a new conference centre and grandstand next to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel.

And the Leverhulme Grandstand could be demolished while car parking and buildings between the railways viaduct, Holiday Inn and County Stand would be removed.

A new pedestrian zone would also be created.

The racecourse has withdrawn its plan to build a multi-storey car park and to use Saddlery Way to access the Roodee.

A report to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee said: “The proposed development would undoubtedly alter the appearance of not only this part of the development site but also this part of the city.

“However, it is considered that the development by virtue of its design, scale and layout, along with the use of high quality materials and high quality hard and soft landscaping, would enhance the appearance of one of the principal gateways and route ways into Chester.

“The proposed buildings would be contextually appropriate in their relative positions, as a result of the topography of the site and existing skyline backdrop, particularly when viewed from a longer range from the south and east.”
The planning committee is due to meet on Thursday.

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