Residents may have
to rip out windows
by David Skentelbery
RESIDENTS who bought luxury homes with mock sash windows could be forced to rip them out – or face legal action by Warrington Borough Council.
The council could take action against the householders even though they bought the properties not knowing the windows breached planning controls.
A planning inspector has ruled that the windows harm the character and appearance of a conservation area at Grappenhall.
He has thrown out an appeal by the developer Brian Foden, who re-developed the site of the former Rockfield Hotel, in Alexandra Road.
Difficulties over enforcement action, due to the fact that a number of properties have already been sold, were raised during the appeal. But the inspector said this was a matter for the council to consider and should not influence his decision.
In a report to the development control committee, Director of Environment Services Alan Stephenson says the authority could take action against the developer or the residents.
He said: “This does not prevent action being taken against the developer.
“If necessary action could be taken against individual householders who have acquired any breach of planning control as they have acquired the properties.
” The council made it clear when it gave permission for a replacement building to replace the Rockfield Hotel that the windows should make a positive contribution to the appearance of the conservation area. Mr Foden gave an undertaking that the new property would be a replica of the hotel frontage.
But he installed the mock windows and the council refused a retrospective application.
The inspector who refused the developer’s appeal commented: “The mock sash windows are a poor substitute for traditional timber sliding sash windows which are a feature of the area. The replacement buildings are generally well designed but this has been undermined by the unsatisfactory style and poor detailing of the disputed windows.”
Councillors will have to decide whether to take enforcement action – and who to take it against.
Babe’s new beauty!
by Terry Johnson
HE may be just a few months old, but little Jacob Shingler is already breaking into the modelling scene with his model mum, Chrystal – named as one of the world’s most beautiful women.
First-time mum Chrystal Lee, from Warrington, and partner, Nick, were already decorating Jake’s nursery when Chrystal was asked to travel on assignment to the Belize jungle and go Caribbean islands’ hopping for US glamour organisation, Mystique.
She became the face of Mystique’s 2006 calendar and was also selected as one of the world’s 12 most beautiful women.
Now baby Jake is winning the hearts of professionals at photo-shoots in Manchester.
Said Chrystal,24, a former Birchwood High School pupil: “Photographers constantly say the camera just loves me.
Now baby Jake has that same winning smile”.
Chess international
to take on 30 locals
by John Hendon
UP to 30 chess players from Warrington are to take on an international chess master ? all at the same time.
Chess star Richard Palliser is to visit the Culcheth and Lymm Chess Club on Sunday, September 17.
M r Palliser, author of a number of books on chess tactics, will be giving a lecture at 1.30pm and will play demonstration matches against up to 30 local players afterwards, starting about 2.15pm.
A club spokesman said: ?About 10 of our own members are to play against Mr Palliser but we are interested in hearing from individuals, or members of other clubs, who would like to join in.?
The event takes place at Culcheth Sports Club in Charnock Road.
Test cricketer will
be guest speaker
by staff reporter
FORMER England Test cricketer Graham Gooch will be the guest speaker at a charity sportsman’s dinner at the Park Royal Hotel, Stretton, near Warrington on October 12.
There will be a four course meal and a comedian and charity auction. Tickets are ?42 – with a 10 per cent discount for tables of 10.
Former England and Essex skipper Gooch is one of the most prolific run-scorers in the history of cricket. In 118 Test matches he scored 8,900 runs and in first class cricket as a whole he totalled 44,846. In 125 one-day internationals he added another 4,290.
His career was not without controversy, however. He was banned for three years for leading a rebel tour to South Africa. He retired in 1997 and is now broadcasts on the game.
The event is being organised by Frodsham and Helsby Rotary Club and tickets can be obtained from Hedley Greaves on 01928 731512 or by email from [email protected] or through the website www.frodshamhelsbyrotary.org.uk
History walk around
picturesque village
by staff reporter
LOCAL historian Joe Griffiths is leading one of his popular history walks around Lymm on Sunday, September 24 starting from the Village Hall at 1.30pm.
The walk, arranged by Lymm Lions Club, will last about 90 minutes and tickets are ?5 from Stephanie’s florists.
On Wednesday, September 27, the Lions start their new bingo season. Which will continue on the third Wednesday of each month until May.
Friday the 13th will not be unlucky in October as the Lions are holding a wine tasting evening at the Village Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available from Oddbins in mid-September at ?7.50. The evening will include a talk and tasting, free competition and raffle.
For further information, call 01925 755615.
News in brief
Car fire
FIRE crews were called to Barrowhall Lane, Great Sankey, Warrington early today to deal with a car fire. The blaze was just outside Great Sankey High School and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.
Hall extension
PLANS for a rear extension and front door canopy at Myddleton Hall, Delph Lane, Houghton Green, Warrington have been submitted to the borough council.
Listed building
PERMISSION is being sought for external alterations to a Grade 2 Listed Building in Church Road, Lymm.
Bin store
ST GREGORY’s Catholic High School, in Cromwell Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, has applied for permission to make alterations to the existing kitchen bin store and erect a new bin store.
