Bungalow appeal thrown out

AN independent planning inspector has backed local councillors who rejected a controversial plan to develop a small piece of land on the edge of the Green Belt at Lymm.
Mark Dakeyne, an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has dismissed an appeal by Mr B. Evans against Warrington planners’ decision to refuse permission for a detached bungalow on land in Longbutt Lane.
He has ruled that the development would have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area.
The development would look like an encroachment into the countryside and proposals to widen Longbutt Lane and provide a footpath in front of the bungalow would contribute to the “urbanising” of the site.
The inspector noted that the site had views across open arable land to Oughtrington Church spire, with more distant vistas across to the Manchester conurbation and the West Pennine Moors.
When the plan was originally considered by Warrington’s planning committee it was opposed by 19 nearby residents, Lymm Parish Council and local borough councillors.
Cllr Sheila Woodyatt said: “I believe this is the right decision.
The site is totally unsuitable for development. It is a locally very sensitive site and any development would compromise the openness of the adjacent, very precious Green Belt.
“Longbutt Lane is a substandard highway and not suitable for additional traffic.”