Councillors fight homes plan on heritage site

THREE councillors have lodged an objection to plans to build four houses in the grounds of a historic farm house at Warrington.
Cllr Mike Biggin, Cllr Wendy Johnson and the Mayor, Cllr Ted Finnegan say the proposals for The Bridge House, in Stockport Road, Thelwall represent an over-development of the site – and are little different to another scheme that was refused two years ago.
The site is on the edge of Thelwall Village Conservation Area and the farm house – known as The Bridge House – is listed a building of local historic interest.
There are a number of mature trees on the site, some of which would be lost, but applicants Redwaters Elite say they would be replaced. A new access to the site would be provided from Bell Lane.
Eight letters of objection have been received from nearby residents and Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council has also objected.
They say the proposal would represent inappropriate development in the conservation area and could also raise road safety issues via the proposed access road – which would be on a blind bend – and at the junction of Bell Lane and and Stockport Road.
There are also concerns about the water table as properties on Bell Lane have septic tanks and there are already issues with flooding due to inadequate draining facilities.
Extra sewage could potentially cause contamination of a natural pond inhabited by Great Crested Newts and other species of wild life.
In addition, the development could set a precedent for further building in the immediate area.
The parish council is anxious to to ensure the gap between Thelwall and Lymm is maintained.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved, however.