Three-storey homes plan is thrown out

A PLAN to demolish a bungalow and replace it with two, three-storey five-bedroomed houses at Lymm has been thrown out by planning chiefs.
The scheme, in Grammar School Road, was condemned by Lymm councillor Ian Marks as “gross overdevelopment” and “an awful example of garden grabbing.”
Cllr Marks told the borough council’s development management committee: “This would be out of keeping with the rest of the road. The proposed properties are very close to each other.
“Just because there are two other examples of huge, out-of-character houses on the road does not mean this development should be allowed. Two wrongs do not make a right.”
Cllr Marks said the site was on a bend in the road and he had concerns about road safety due to limited visibility.
“This is a busy road which is used as a route to Lymm High School. Each property has spaces for two parked cars in the drive. This means that visitors will have to park on the bend, which may be allowed, but is far from ideal.”
There would also be a loss of privacy for neighbours due to overlooking.
But he would not object to one house on the site, provided it was in character with most of the other houses in the road.
Cllr Anna Fradgley also opposed the scheme, citing “garden grabbing” overdevelopment, loss of character and road safety on a blind bend.
The committee was told nine neighbours had lodged objections and concern had been expressed by Lymm Parish Council.
Planning officers said the scheme would make a positive, albeit small, contribution to the supply of housing in the borough. They recommended the scheme be approved – but the committee refused permission.