Angry villagers slam shopping scheme

WORRIED residents have expressed concern over a controversial shopping development going up near a historic village centre.
People living in Pepper Street, Lymm are complaining that part of an old sandstone wall has been demolished, even though the development was only allowed on condition the wall be retained.
The scheme is at the junction of Pepper Street with Lymm Cross and a house which formerly occupied the site has already been demolished and work has started on levelling the ground.
But although there is already access to the site, about 15 yards of the sandstone wall has been demolished and the stones apparently removed from the site.
A Pepper Street resident who did not wish to be named said: “A condition of the planning consent was that this wall is retained.
“It has been there longer than anyone can remember and it is removed it will damage to character of the area.”
Coun Ian Marks said: “We opposed this scheme but it went to appeal and was allowed. But there certainly is a condition that the wall be retained and I have raised the issue with the planning department. We would be very angry if this condition was breached.”
Coun Sheila Woodyatt said: “We didn’t want this scheme but unfortunately we were overruled and now have no say in the matter.
“The developer has to have proper access to the site, but he will have to rebuild the wall exactly as it was before. There will also have to be an entrance for the public to reach the shops.
“We will be keeping a close watch on the situation.”
Picture shows the partly demolished wall, behind safety railings