Cllr Simon Eardley attends as many Saughall & Shotwick Park Parish Council meetings as possible during the course of the year and presents a monthly report. His January 2026 one, for the meeting on Monday 5th, is repeated below.
No waiting at any time restrictions – Church Road / Aldersey Close
I received the following update regarding implementation of the proposed ‘double yellow lines’ scheme, as per the attached plan, on 03/12/25:
“Thank you for your email. Firstly, please accept my apologies for not keeping you updated regarding the above project. Unfortunately, other priorities have taken precedence, and I haven’t been able to follow this through as planned. I am aiming to pick this up again in January and proceed with the installation of the double yellow lines as per the attached plan. Please note that we will not be introducing any ‘No Loading’ restrictions outside the new off-licence as part of this scheme. However, we will continue to monitor deliveries for the off-licence once it opens to ensure there are no issues.”
This is relevant to the update around the ‘Gill Off Licence’ licensing application which is also commented on below.
‘Gill Off Licence’ licensing application – outcome reported to residents
Following the December meeting of the parish council, that evening I issued the following note to the large number of residents who contacted me in relation to the above licensing application which was heard in November 2025.
“Further to our recent correspondence regarding this application, I am writing to let you know the outcome of the Licensing Committee hearing which took place on 18/11/25. The report from that process is attached. It is quite detailed, and I would recommend you read it closely and carefully in its entirety.
In short, the decision has been taken to grant the licence, subject to a range of appropriate mandatory conditions – these are all detailed in the report at length between pages 3 and 6.
I am very disappointed that this is the outcome as a strong case was made, as far as I am concerned, for refusal. Indeed, I understand that the length of time of the hearing was unusual for what is a relatively simple application and that there was clearly considerable debate around the points that were raised during the proceedings. The report details some of this and acknowledges the strength of feeling from residents.
In understanding the reasons for the decision, I would draw your attention to the following paragraphs and elements within which I have highlighted in grey [NB this formatting doesn't work on this webpage]:
“The Licensing Act Sub-Committee (LASC) heard from the persons listed above and considered the relevant documents, policies and representations before it. The starting point for the LASC was that the legislation created a permissive regime whereby an application for a premises licence should be granted unless there is evidence or other good reason to believe that the licensing objectives would be undermined.
“Where there are serious concerns about the ability of an application to meet the licensing objectives the LASC would expect to receive representations from the Responsible Authorities under the Act, whose role it is to act as experts in their field and are often the main source of advice to the LASC (Section 182 Guidance 9.12). On this occasion the responsible authorities had not made representations to the application made for a premises licence in respect of Gill Off Licence.”
“The LASC having considered the documents before it and the verbal representations from those in attendance at the hearing had to balance the right of the applicant to open his business against the likelihood of the statutory objectives; prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, protection of children and public safety being undermined. As this is a new business operation there is no evidence on which to assess the likely impact on the objectives.
“While it had sympathy for the concerns expressed by the individuals’ making representations against the application, there was a requirement to base decisions on evidence where possible.
“In granting the application, the LASC concluded that in the absence of representations from the responsible authorities [i.e. the Police and Environmental Health] and in the applicant having demonstrated in his operating schedule the conditions to be imposed on the licence to promote the licence objectives, to which he must adhere, the licensing objectives would not be undermined.
“As always, the LASC was concerned that residents should not be unduly impacted by the decision and it was content that if there were negative impacts, that the review mechanism would provide residents with appropriate protection.”
I believe the best that can now be achieved will be to keep a close monitor on how this site proceeds and for any issues arising out of it to be raised with the relevant authorities. It is noted that an appeal process is possible. I have requested details as to how this might be enacted but it is likely to require specialist legal support which is not open to me as the borough councillor. I will update you when I receive a reply on this point though.”
Further to the above, on 03/12/25 I then updated further as follows:
- Planning permission required for ‘change of use’ – query - in response to a query as to whether a planning application is required for change of use of this site, I have been advised by CWaC Planning as follows:
“Hairdressers and ‘off licence’ premises both fall within the same Use Class E, which covers a range of commercial, business, and service uses and as such would unlikely require planning permission.
For your reference, I’ve included a link that provides a brief breakdown of these classes: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/change-of-use/use-classes
Having checked the planning history for the site, the last permission dates back to 1991 and restricted the use of the premises to B1 (offices, etc.). However, following changes to the Use Classes Order, B1 now also falls within Class E.”
- Appeal - CWaC Licensing advised as follows. As a borough councillor, I do not have access to specialist legal advice which would be required to move this forward.
“Thank you for your email to the Licensing Team, which has been forwarded to me for a response.
Please note that I am unable to provide advice regarding the appeal process, as the licensing authority would be the respondent in any appeal you propose to lodge.
For your information, the procedure requires that an appeal must be lodged within 21 days from the date you were notified of the decision. In your case, the 21-day period commenced on 26 November 2025, making the final date for lodging an appeal 16 December 2025. Please be aware that if other parties wish to appeal, their notification dates may differ, as some Notices of Determination were sent by post.
I strongly recommend that anyone considering an appeal against the decision to grant the Gill premises licence seeks independent legal advice as soon as possible.”
Parkgate Road speed limit concerns
A number of residents have once again been in touch to express concerns in relation to the speed limit on Parkgate Road (both in the Saughall and Mollington sections). I have relayed the previous position on this to them in respect of that advised by CWaC and Cheshire Police, but also the view of the parish council that it would not support a reduction in the speed limit on this route either. However, the CWaC and Cheshire Police views were from some time ago and there may have been a change to this in respect of the number of collisions and other incidents on the road. I await their response on that.
Speed limit changes are going to be more challenging owing going forward from a cost perspective (and meeting the costs of implementing any changes that might be agreed). I have shared the following note with the residents I have been corresponding with in relation to the CWaC Highways policy around speed limit changes and how that is likely to change going forward (timetable not known as yet):
“We are currently in the process of reviewing our community-led speed limit policy. During this interim period, all new requests are on hold until the amended policy has received Cabinet approval. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a timeline for when the new policy will become operational. It is anticipated that any initial surveys and the implementation of signage required following confirmation of recommended changes will need to be fully funded by the requestor.”
Public Right of Way matters
Cllr Willett and I have been in correspondence with the CWaC PRoW officer recently on various locations around the parish. Cllr Johnson maintains a keen and active interest in PRoW issues too. He advised on 03/12/25 as follows:
“I inspected several footpaths in Saughall Yesterday and in particular, the ones that Mr [N] has highlighted in his email below.
The sleeper bridge and stile which access Saughall FP10 from Kingswood Lane were so overgrown I could barely see them let alone inspect them. At the moment the footpath can be accessed more easily through the gates to the field as they are not locked. I cannot justify the expense of putting in a new kissing gate and sleeper bridge if there is an alternative access point directly beside the current stile, however if this changes and the gates become locked, I will reconsider this. I will arrange for a fingerpost sign to be erected at the start of the Public Right of Way and clear the vegetation so I can properly inspect the stile and sleeper bridge.
I inspected the bridge on Mollington FP10 [NB – Saughall FP10 becomes Mollington FP10] and my intention was to divert this path along the farm track rather than on the bridge. Unfortunately, this may take some time to do, so in the interim I am going to get the bridge redecked as the main beams seem very solid and should support new decking.
I further inspected Saughall FP7 and I will arrange for the rotten sleeper bridge to be replaced. I have also contacted the landowner on Hermitage Road who has placed gates on Saughall FP12 to arrange delivery of a ‘2in1 gate for next week, I am waiting to hear back from them.”
Delivery of the gate in respect of Saughall FP12 was to take place on 12/12/25; I am not aware that it has yet been erected.
The PRoW officer has also advised that he will make arrangements to remove a dangerously overhanging branch on path in front of Shotwick House on Saughall FP17. He is in touch with the Clerk around arrangements to remove the stiles of the footbridge on Shotwick Park FP1 and replace them with gates which we [CWaC} will provide. I understand the PC is to fund the labour for this.
Grassed area – Darlington Crescent
You will recall I have previously commented on a request received from residents for consideration to be given to the installation of small white posts or a rail at the front of a section of grass on Darlington Crescent (in the broad vicinity of numbers 64 and 40). I have recently received the following update from an officer (29/12/25) and will advise further when I hear more in due course.
“Any new bollard/rail would become a Highways Asset for ongoing inspection/maintenance, and my team would adopt the additional maintenance liability for additional grass strimming/spraying, so I’ve shared the background and location detail with colleagues in Highways and should hopefully have a joint response for review in the New Year.”
Verge destruction and preservation – Church Road / Saughall Hey junction - update
As reported in December 2025, at the junction of Church Road and Saughall Hey, CWaC have agreed to arrange for an 8-metre section of bird’s mouth post and rail fencing to be installed on the verge, adjacent to the vehicular access, to discourage parking too close to residential access at this location. I was asked to query the timeframe for delivery of these works and can advise as follows (note from CWaC officers on 10/12/25):
“The works were advised to our Term Maintenance partner Colas in mid-November for a scoping meeting, ahead of the works passing to the quote stage, this process can take around six weeks depending on resource and other more pressing works taking precedence. Once they have quoted the works they will arrange an installation date.
We would reasonably expect a late January/early February 2026 start date for the works, although at this time of year the weather can affect their schedules. I will chase them up today to progress to the quoting stage.
We thank you and your constituent for your continued patience.”
Community speedwatch session – 12/12/25
I joined a community speedwatch session on 12th December 2025 on The Ridings. As parish councillors will know, this is a 20mph zone but 10 vehicles were observed within about 30 minutes doing in excess of that, with the top speed observed being 29mph. Renewed thanks to the speedwatch team for their efforts, particularly during the winter months.
CWaC green waste charge
The Labour-led administration of the Council announced in early December another increase to the green waste collection charge. In 2026 the cost per bin, per annum will be £2.50 more at £55. Since the charge was introduced in 2022 – which I opposed at the time – the charge has increased by 37.5% from the original £40. The only good news is that the service will start and end later than in previous years to reflect continued leaf fall into December.
Miscellaneous reports etc
- Pothole – vicinity of 13 Park Way. Reported on 23/12/25, ref. CE776668023.
- Surface deterioration – vicinity of 19 Park Way. Reported on 23/12/25, ref. CE776671465.
- Potholes – area near 48 Park Way. Reported on 23/12/25, ref. CE776673336. This was assessed on 29/12/25 and I am advised as follows: “We have undertaken an assessment in response to your enquiry. At the time of the assessment, and in line with our safety code of practice, no safety related concerns were identified.”
- Lighting column 34, near 212 Hermitage Road (not working). Reported on 23/12/25, ref. CE776493259.
- Pothole – Kingswood Lane, near The Welwyns. Reported on 18/12/25, ref. CE774944096.
- Pothole – Fiddlers Lane, near Brevin. Reported on 18/12/25, ref/ CE774943094.
- Concerns have been raised with me regarding parking challenges at the junction of Green Lane and Hermitage Road. These have been referred to the relevant officers for their attention.
- Notification has been received that there will be works to replace street lighting columns on the A540 Parkgate Road (Saughall) between 02 and 16 March 2026. This is a provisional date, and more information will no doubt follow in due course, including likely traffic management / road closure.
