New twist in the saga
of “affordable” homes
by David Skentelbery
DEVELOPERS have submitted seven almost identical proposals to build more than 200 houses on a greenfield site at Lymm, near Warrington.
The multiple applications from Wilson Connolly North West are the latest twist in a long-running saga over the need for “affordable” homes on the site off Oughtrington Lane which has already resulted in two public inquiries and an appeal hearing in the High Court.
A third inquiry is pending, following Warrington Borough Council’s decision to refuse detailed planning consent on the grounds some of the houses would be two high.
Nearly 60 nearby residents have objected to the new proposals, along with Lymm Parish Council.
A planning department spokesman said the new plans were alternatives to the previously refused application or re-submissions of the scheme that had already been refused.
The main differences were that the height of the proposed houses had been reduced and – in some applications – the number of properties reduced from 214 to 202.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, who lives near the site, said although the amended heights were an improvement, the houses were still as high as two and-a-half storey buildings and the ridge height would be two metres higher than surrounding houses.
“The development is still not of the quality required for this highly visible site” she said.
She stressed that outline planning consent was subject to a condition that half the houses would be “affordable in perpetuity” and the current proposal did not meet this criteria.
Lymm High School has expressed concern about traffic hazards for nearly 2,000 pupils if the houses are built.
Residents claim the developer is abusing the planning system by submitting a “proliferation of applications” and say even 202 houses is too many for the site.
Melanie joins economic
development team
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON’S Economic Development team has been joined by Melanie McGarry, who has taken up the role of local employment co-ordinator.
Melanie has joined the team from her work as a trainer at ‘Reed in Partnership’ (HR and recruitment specialists) in Liverpool. Melanie’s history includes more than seven years in the employment and training fields. Melanie has worked as a team leader for the Princes Trust Volunteers and trainer at Standguide in St Helen’s.
Melanie will be working with employers and employment-focussed groups to develop networks that will result in long-term employment prospects in the Warrington area. Melanie will be contacting a range of companies to address key skills issues.
She said: “”I am looking forward to working in Warrington. I see this role as a real opportunity to help secure the future of employment in the town and to contributed towards the growth of the borough.”
MP opens “skills for
life learning” centre
by staff reporter
MP Helen Jones officially opened a new Skills for Life Learning centre at Warrington.
The Warrington North MP unveiled a plaque at the centre at borough council’s Neighbourhood Services in Hawthorne Avenue, Woolston.
Among others present were borough council leader John Joyce, Peter Holland from the TUC and Warrington Collegiate principal Paul Hafren.
She said: “This will be a huge asset to the area and I am delighted to have been asked to officially open the Learning Centre. The need for a workplace-based centre for staff, family learning and community learning was identified by the borough council and Campaign for Learning three years ago.
“This Centre represents the fruit of that partnership and is the result of months of careful planning and hard work by all concerned.”
The centre will provide a range of IT taster sessions, IT courses, courses in basic skills (literacy and numeracy) and HGV training. New courses on employment law, basic and advanced computing and aromatherapy are planned. In addition, the centre is also a “Learndirect” centre offering a vast range of online courses.
Parish objects to
farmhouse extension
by John Hendon
PARISH councillors have lodged objections to a plan to extend a farmhouse at Rixton, near Warrington – even though work is largely completed.
Members of Rixton with Glazebrook Parish Council say the development at Woodside Farm, Manchester Road, Rixton is contrary to Green Belt policy because it has resulted in an increase in floor area.
They claim the plans do not show the original building, nor the fact that the rear of the property was originally single storey and is now of two storeys.
Planners say the building is an isolated dwelling alongside Manchester Road, next to a range of former barns.
The main issue is whether the development is visually “disproportionate” and in this case they do not believe the extensions are harmful.
Raising the roof level at the rear is considered to be acceptable.
Pupils compete
for ?2,000 prize
by John Hendon
PUPILS from a Warrington high school are to compete for a ?2,000 cash prize for their school.
William Beamont High, in Long Lane, will be taking part in the nationwide design and technology competition – the Audi Innovation Awards.
The ultimate winner, for students aged 11-14, will receive ?2,000 for his or her school and a laptop computer for themselves.
The overall winning teacher will win an experimental trip to Audi’s design studio in Germany and also spend time at a German school.
Students who have entered, either individually or in groups, will now have their project scrutinised by a judging panel made up of local designers and design educationalists.
A maximum of 25 entrants will be chosen to display their work in a semi final in Manchester on February 1.
Other schools taking part in the regional stage of the contest are from Manchester, Oldham and Macclesfield.
MP backs move to ban
smoking in public
by staff reporter
A BAN on smoking in restaurants, workplaces and many pubs will help Warrington stop smoking.
So says Warrington South MP Helen Southworth who is backing government plans to introduce a smoke-free Warrington.
She said: “Whether it’s because a friend smokes or simply because the only seats available are in the smoking area, many non-smokers find themselves breathing in second hand smoke when in a social situation.
“Medical evidence increasingly shows that second hand smoke is a major health risk for workers and friends of smokers. It’s a tragic waste of life and good health. That’s why I support moves to make our public spaces smoke free. It’s better for workers and better for customers.” Mrs Southworth said health minister John Reid was proposing by 2008 to ban smoking in all restaurants and pubs where food is prepared and served.
“Other enclosed public places and workplaces would also be made smoke free.
The MP said: “I’m backing these important changes that will make Warrington healthier and reduce the risks of disease for local workers.
“I know some were concerned by the impact of this decision on business, so I was pleased to hear from Ed Gershon, of the pub chain JD Wetherspoon, who said the smoking ban would be good for businesses like his.
“The Government is proposing to introduce these changes gradually, over the next 4 years so there will be plenty of time to adjust to the new rules.
“Until then, I want to see government do all it can to help those who smoke stop. After all, most smokers want to stop, but simply find it too hard. Smoke-free public places will help, but we need to make sure we enforce the smoke free areas and offer help those who want to quit.
“I can remember when smoking was common on public transport, on planes, in most offices and in cinemas. I think most of us would agree that all of these places are better today, now they’re smoke-free.
“Most smoke
rs say they want to stop smoking and most smokers support measures that will help them not to smoke. I know the cost of cancer, heart disease and other smoking related illnesses to the families of Warrington.
“That’s why I believe we have to do all we can to reduce the risks of smoking, while giving all the help we can to those who wish to stop. Making our offices, restaurants and public buildings smoke free is an important part of cutting the sickness caused by smoking.”
