Neighbours lose planning battle over “granny flat”

SIX neighbours have lost a battle to block plans for a garage and “granny flat” at Lymm.
Members of Warrington’s development management committee approved proposals for the scheme in Elmtree Road despite objections from the neighbours.
The plan involves demolition of an existing garage in the grounds of a detached house and construction of a new garage with a granny flat above it. Two trees will have to be demolished to make way for it.
Neighbours claimed the proposal amounted to “garden grabbing” and could lead to a more extensive proposal in the future.
A granny flat was not credible as it would be upstairs, would be too small and would have no kitchen facilities, they claimed.
But planning officers, who recommended the scheme be approved, said the flat was not intended to be an independent residential unit and would be ancillary to the main house. It could not be used as an independent unit unless an additional planning consent was granted.