VILLAGERS and local councillors have expressed dismay over a planning decision which they believe could mean the end for the “green” gap between Thelwall and Lymm.
Planning chiefs at Warrington have given the go-ahead for four houses with detached double garages in the grounds of historic Bridge House, in Stockport Road, Thelwall.
The locally listed former farm house is said to be the last remaining smallholding in the village and is on the edge of Thelwall Village Conservation Area.
A disappointed Cllr Mike Biggin said: “This could be the thin end of the wedge and mean the end of the gap between Thelwall and Lymm.
“It makes one wonder what the point of conservation areas is when proposals like this are allowed to go ahead.
“This is quite a serious precedent and local residents will be very disappointed.”
Cllr Biggin, together with Cllr Wendy Johnson, Cllr Ted Finnegan, eight local residents and Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council, had lodged objections to the scheme put forward by developers Redwaters Elite.
They argued the scheme represented over-development of the site and was little different to an earlier scheme refused two years ago.
There were also road safety issues arising from a new access in Bell Lane and increased traffic at the junction of Bell Lane and 
Stockport Road.
Existing flooding problems could be worsened because of inadequate drainage facilities and extra sewage could contaminate a natural pond
inhabited by Great Crested Newts and other species of wild life.
Planning officers recommended the scheme be approved. They said the conservation area already contained a mixture of old and new properties and the proposed houses would be in character with the immediate vicinity.
Although contemporary in design, they would reflect the agricultural character of the existing farmhouse and barns.
Pictures: Cllr |Biggin and Bridge House
Anger over thin end of the wedge plan
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
