Planners order probe into “contaminated land”

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have ordered a full investigation of ground conditions on the site of a proposed barn conversion to determine whether the land could be contaminated.
Members of the borough council’s planning committee approved a proposal to convert the old barn at Top Farm, in Higher Lane, Lymm – but imposed conditions that the investigation be carried out.
This followed objections from nearby residents who claimed the land had been used in the past for dumping waste materials such as tarmac, bricks, concrete, old tyres, plastic, metal sheeting and even asbestos.
Chairman Cllr Tony McCarthy said: “There was a great deal of concern from neighbours about what might be under the ground there so we have imposed a strict condition.
“If it turns out the land is contaminated, the site will have to be completely cleared.”
The barn will become two dwellings and a new garage block will also be built. An existing lean-to structure will be demolished and old timber buildings removed.
Cllr Sheila Woodyatt said the site was currently an eyesore and a blot on the Green Belt. She believed the scheme represented a planning gain.
Cllr Ian Marks supported the neighbours concerns. While he had no objection in principle to the right sort of development of the site he thought there were too many unanswered questions – not least the issue of contaminated land.
There were also concerns over flooding, drainage and the loss of mature trees and hedges. In addition, the proposal includes windows that would overlook existing properties in Higher Lane, affecting privacy.
Planning officers recommended the scheme be approved, however. They said land contamination issues could be dealt with by requiring conditions to be met prior to commencing construction.
Planning officers said the development would result in a significant increase in the openness and improvement to visual amenity.
They did not believe there would any significant impact on highway safety, residential amenity, land contamination, biodiversity or any other matter.
Pictured: The barn to be converted.