Green light for stables plan

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have given the green .light to a controversial plan which split a village community.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee visited the site on Green Belt land off Tannery Lane, Penketh, before reaching their decision.
The scheme involved a proposed stable block – and more than 130 residents lodged objections, along with Penketh Parish council.
But 102 people signed a petition supporting the scheme – and helped win the committee over..
The parish council argued that the area was an important piece of Green Belt between Warrington and Halton and should be protected.
They claimed the area had visibility problems at a blind corner, leading to a history of accidents and was congested due to school drop offs, buses and walkers.
In addition, there was speculation in the area that the application to put a structure on the land was being made prior to the Localism Bill, which will make it easier for agricultural buildings to be converted into houses.
But those supporting the scheme praised the use of the site for the keeping of animals and the eco-friendly use of the land to produce fresh, free range eggs and vegetables.
Planning officers recommended the scheme for approval and stressed that the stables were for the private use of the applicant only.