“Affordable” homes
plan thrown out
by David Skentelbery
DEFIANT councillors at Warrington, who blocked a controversial housing scheme by refusing to vote on it, have now thrown it out.
Members of the borough council’s development control committee voted 8-2 to refuse permission for 200 houses on land off Longbutt Lane, Lymm after being told they had to make a decision one way or the other.
They decided the homes would have a damaging impact on the visual amenity of the area because of their height.
Three weeks earlier they had made a silent protest by refusing to vote – and were told this would mean the plans submitted by Wilson Connolly North West would automatically go to appeal because they had failed to determine the application.
But council solicitors later decided the committee was acting unlawfully by refusing to vote and brought the matter back for reconsideration.
The principle of housing on the greenfield site was established only after two public inquiries and a High Court appeal. Even then, the inspector granted outline permission only on condition that half the 200 houses would be “affordable in perpetuity.”
Councillors originally refused to vote because they could not accept the proposals put forward by the developer to ensure the properties would always remain “affordable.”
Planning officer John Groves told them it now seemed the inspector’s wishes were not achievable and that the proposals put forward by the developers were the best that could be expected.
The “affordable homes” would be sold at 32.5 per cent less than open market value and future capital receipts would be “ring fenced” to help provide affordable homes in other parts of the borough.
If the issue went to appeal, the council would be unlikely to win and could face substantial costs.
But local councillor Sheila Woodyatt urged the committee to refuse the application.
She said: “The costs would be peanuts compared to the environmental cost to the area. We must fight this to the end.”
Coun Ian Marks said the developers were trying to “bully” the council. He was not satisfied the houses would remain affordable and the type of houses proposed were not suitable.
Even if an appeal was lost, the council’s stance would send a strong message to other developers trying to ride roughshod over local communities.
Councillor calls for
action on fallen leaves
by staff reporter
A WARRINGTON councillor has called for swift action to remove fallen leaves from streets in her ward.
Fairfield and Howley councillor Yvonne Fovargue received numerous complaints from residents, particularly in the Orford Road and Padgate Lane areas.
She has won a pledge from the borough council’s Street Scene team that they will be out and about soon, clearing up the laves that block drains and cause a health and safety hazard to local residents.
Coun Fovargue said: “During the summer months the trees really do look lovely and are the green lungs within the local environment. However, as winter approaches the falling leaves can cause a series of problems.
“I have received many complaints from residents about this issue and I have asked for swift action to sweep up our streets.
“The problem appears to be most serious around Orford Road, Padgate Lane and the streets nearby. However if residents know of other problem areas then I would ask that they call me on 01925 721184.”
Local songwriter picks
up top music accolade
by Terry Johnson
WARRINGTON-born songwriter, Chris Braide, has been honoured with a top accolade from The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
The former Woolston High School pupil’s lyrics for ‘Anything is Possible’ helped launch the meteoric rise of Pop Idol Will Young.
His latest award is for the song, ‘Invisible’ – co-written with Desmond Child – and given similar acclaim as songs by Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger.
The award was presented at a reception at London’s prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel.
Chris has had some striking composing successes, including the Children in Need No. 1, ‘Have You Ever’ performed by Steps.
His input to the ‘Anything is Possible’ song helped underpin Will Young’s thrust for stardom.
Singer-songwriter Chris plays the guitar and piano and also has his own rock and pop band, ‘Braide’.
He has worked on material for a Kylie Minogue album and for R and B singer, Beverley Knight.
Heartbreak for pupils
as yobs go on rampage
by Terry Johnson
YOBS have caused heartbreak for schoolchildren by trashing the ?1,000 “dream garden” they had built as a living memorial to a former head teacher and school caretaker.
The special garden at Warrington’s St Alban’s RC Primary was wrecked within hours of the planned official opening.
Pupils and staff were “shattered” to find months of hard work and fund-raising had been ruthlessly destroyed.
They found plants and flowers ripped out of the ground and scattered, a bird bath and plant containers smashed, an archway broken and stone benches wrecked.
Prince’s Trust volunteers had spent weeks building the school garden, which pupils helped design.
Technology fuses
into an art form
by Terry Johnson
TWENTY-first century technology is fused into an art form in a contemporary display, showing at Warrington’s main library until December 31.
Mike Wass, a member of Warrington Visual Arts Forum, showcases his talents in the ‘Waiting Apart’ exhibition, of people in public places – waiting for something or using mobile ‘phones.
A different picture will be shown each week until the end of December and there will be feedback forms in the library to assess how the pictures affect the viewers.
