Awful homes scheme thrown out

PLANNING bosses at Warrington have thrown out a housing scheme because the residential amenity of the future residents would be “awful”.
Members of the borough council’s planning committee agreed with a recommendation from officers that the scheme, on land in Harbord Street, Warrington, should be rejected.
Five houses were proposed by developers CDM Developments (North West) Ltd.
But councillors decided the site was tiny, cramped and surrounded by industrial units.
Cllr Sheila Woodyatt said: “The residential amenity would be awful.”
The applicant had sought permission for two pairs of three-bedroom, semi-detached houses and one four-bedroom detached house.
Each property was promised a front garden and footpath, rear patio area and enclosed garden.
Ten parking spaces would be provided.
In addition there would be a bin store for use by all five properties.
The committee was told the site was currently vacant, with trees and shrubbery growing on it.
There were no objections from the highways department, the Environment Agency, the borough council’s arboriculturist or natural environment officer.
But the council’s environmental protection department objected because of the proximity of industrial buildings.
Councillors were told there was a paint spraying operation nearby, plus a number of other industrial uses on the Parkdale Industrial Park.
An environment protection spokesman said: “While the current uses taking place within these units may not give rise to any concerns, these units have an open permission meaning they could be occupied by unrestricted general industrial uses which could result in unacceptable odour and vibration impacts, as well as noise impacts where there is only limited control.
“As such refusal is recommended as a suitable residential environment cannot be guaranteed.”