Development by stealth plan

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have been asked to reject a housing scheme in a conservation area which nearby residents describe as “development by stealth.”
Eight nearby householders have lodged objection to the plan to build four houses – two detached and two semi-detached – in the grounds of The Bridge House, in Stockport Road, Thelwall.
Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council has also objected to the scheme which they believe is inappropriate in a conservation area and could set a precedent for further development in the area.
The scheme has been put forward by the executors of the will of the former owner.
Planning officers say it is a small-scale, low-impact, infill development which will make a positive contribution to the character of the Thelwall Village Conservation Area.
The site is close to the junction of Stockport Road and Bell Lane and that the proposed access is on a blind bend.
They say the late owner did not wish to see the site developed and, because permission has already been granted for existing barns into three dwellings, the scheme amounts to “development by stealth.”
They say the new buildings will be out of character with the semi-rural appearance of the conservation area and with surrounding dwellings.
The new properties will tower over bungalows in Woodlands Drive and there will be overlooking of other nearby properties.
The parish council argues that there will an adverse effect on highway safety due to increased traffic using a difficult junction and also an impact on drainage and the local water table. Flooding already takes place in Bell Lane.
The borough council’s planning committee will consider the scheme on Wednesday (January 23)