Farmer poised to win
lengthy planning battle
by David Skentelbery
A FARMER looks set to win planning consent for a poultry unit and storage building, together with a temporary agricultural workers dwelling, on Green Belt land at Appleton near Warrington.
Farmer John Bryan has been battling to win consent for the development on land at Green Lane for nine years ? although some of his previous bids have been larger in scale and included a farmhouse.
Appleton Parish Council is still lodging strong objections ? but planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved when it comes before the borough council?s development control committee on Wednesday (December 19).
Mr Bryan already has permission for the development after winning an appeal against an earlier refusal by the borough council.
The new application amends the earlier one ? and the parish council argues it will harm the amenities of people living nearby and that the size of the poultry unit and storage building will be intrusive in an open, rural area.
They believe the buildings will damage the openness of the Green Belt and that noise and smells will harm the amenity of neighbours.
They maintain the applicant is persisting in attempts to provide residential accommodation on Green belt land.
However, planning officers say the development is appropriate in a rural area and will be more than 60 meters from the nearest dwelling.
They point out that if the plan was refused, Mr Bryan would still be able to proceed with his earlier scheme which already has permission.
Whatever his motives in submitting the current application it can only be considered on its merits ? and it seeks permission for appropriate agricultural development within a rural area.
Colleagues celebrate
their “unsung hero”
by James Parr
STAFF at the Pyramid and Parr Hall in Warrington are celebrating after one of their colleagues was honoured with a prestigious Unsung Hero Award.
Caretaker Chris Warburton was honoured with the award at Visit Chester and Cheshire Tourism’s “Celebrating the Achievements of Talented Staff Awards”(CATS) at Tatton Hall.
Chris received his award for going “above and beyond the expectation of his employer.?
The team at the Pyramid and Parr Hall nominated Chris for the award in recognition of his role as an integral part of the team, hard work, commitment, and unfailing ability to keep everything running smoothly.
One of the CATS judges said: “Chris contributes to his role far beyond the expectations of his employer. He is personally responsible for the smooth running of the operation from behind the scenes and is truly a great example of an unsung hero.”
Chris himself added: “It was a great feeling to be nominated and to be short listed to the last four was an achievement in itself, but to actually win the award was mind-blowing For me, going the extra mile is all part of the job and if I can make sure things run smoothly and help to make things easier for other people – then I’ve done my job.”
Company celebrates new
seven figure contract
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON based safety equipment and protective clothing supplier J & K Ross Limited has announced that another Warrington based business, United Utilities, has awarded them a seven figure contract to supply PPE, clothing and footwear to all their business sectors which include Water, Waste Water, Electricity, Gas and Energy Contracting Services.
This prestigious contract covers a period of three years with an option to extend for a further two years and is seen a major coup for this owner managed business.
Managing director Chris Ross said: “We are extremely proud to have been selected by this blue chip company which operates all over the North West and beyond. Following a very detailed examination of our capabilities, United Utilities judged our business to be the best partner to work with for this contract. We were competing against some tough opposition including the major national PPE suppliers which makes us doubly pleased to have been selected.”
J & K Ross was founded in 1976 by the current MD’s parents, Jean and Ken Ross and specialises in supplying protection for employees in all kinds of work places.
Chris went onto say that special mention should be given to both Neil Wilcock, Sales Director, who secured this contract and all of the team back at base who have demonstrated over the years their ability to work to tight deadlines and delivery the right product on time.
Meanwhile the company has also launched a new website www.safetydepot.co.uk selling safety wear and protective clothing online.
House can be rebuilt –
three years later
by David Skentelbery
THREE years after demolishing a house at Warrington, the former owner has won the right to build a new home on the site ? despite it being in the Green Belt.
A planning inspector has decided there was no evidence to suggest the the home owner had ever intended to permanently abandon the residential use of the site in Farnworth Road, Penketh.
Borough planners had refused planning consent on the grounds the site had been abandoned and the new house would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt.
But the inspector says the appellant lived in the original house until 2003 and the property was not demolished until 2004.
This, he says, is a relatively short time to suggest the residential use had been abandoned. He points out that applications for a new house were made in 2005 and 2006 and the appellant had suffered from a medical condition.
The new house was of a similar size to the original so can be considered a replacement dwelling which could be allowed in the Green Belt.
A council spokesman said the personal circumstances of the appellant only emerged during the appeal process and enabled the appellant to put forward a stronger case than originally presented to the council.
Social network training is
“waste of money” – candidate
by James Parr
PROSPECTIVE Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Warrington South, David Mowat, has slammed government calls for local councillors to be trained to use social networking site Facebook as “a waste of taxpayers? money.” Mr Mowat reacted angrily following proposals submitted to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears by the Councillors Commission. He said: “At a time when council services in Warrington are being cut back due to a lack of money, many people will be outraged that the Government is considering training in how to use Facebook. I’m on Facebook and I didn’t need training and neither did the other 60 million people who use the site.” Facebook is the popular networking site that allows members to make friendS, join groups and play music on their individual areas. Shadow Local Government Secretary, Eric Pickles added: “Once you have cut through the Government spin on Facebook training, there is a clear Labour agenda to introduce state funding for the party via the backdoor – through higher town hall allowances, local communications allowances and so-called training funds. “As council tax goes through the roof and pensioners face jail for non-payment, the Government are only interested in stuffing even more money into the pockets of a morally and financially bankrupt Labour Party at taxpayers’ expense.”
Couple escape
kitchen blaze
by staff reporter
AN elderly couple escaped unharmed after fire broke out in the kitchen at their home in Kemel Avenue, Warrington.
The fire was caused by the gas cooker being accidentally turned on and igniting a pan of fat.
The couple were watching television but were alerted by a smoke alarm and managed to reach a smoke-free part of the property until fire crews reached the
scene.
There was smoke damage in the kitchen but the rest of the property was unaffected.
Fire crews dealt with a van on fire at Dallam, Warrington early this morning.
Lunchtime carol
service in village
by staff reporter
CHURCHES and business people have joined together to organise a lunchtime Carol Service in Stockton Heath.
The event, on Friday December 21, from 1pm to 4pm will be held at St Thomas’ Church, London Road.
Bridgewater Churches Together have worked with local businesses to plan the service. Taking part will be the chairman of Bridgewater Churches Together, the Rev Bill Eugster, the Vicar of St Thomas’ the Rev Michael Ridley and members of the business community.
