NEIGHBOURS have lost a battle to block plans for a house in the garden of the one-time hideaway of Beatle George Harrison’s parents.
Fourteen people living near Sevenoaks, in Old Pewterspear Lane, Appleton objected to the plan for a detached house and garage in its spacious grounds.
Their objections had nothing to do with the history of the property where Harry and Louise Harrison lived in the 1960s.
They were more concerned about the impact on wildlife – birds, squirrels and bats – loss of trees and privacy and traffic issues.
At least two previous applications had been made to build on the site but the earlier plans involved three or four detached four or five bedroomed houses. The most recent was dismissed on appeal in 2002.
But a number of extensions to Sevenoaks itself have been approved over the year.
Appleton Parish Council expressed concern about the scheme which, they said, appeared to be contrary to national planning policy as the garden was regarded as greenfield land.
They questioned whether a proposed access onto Hatfield Gardens should be permitted and pointed out that this would be close to a playground and a bend.
The parish council also opposed any access via Old Pewterspear Lane itself – and borough planners agreed with them.
They approved the application – with a condition of no such access.
George Harrison bought Sevenoaks for his parents at the height of “Beatlemania” so they could escape the attentions of hundreds of fans who regularly descended on their former council-house home in Macket’s Lane, Woolton, Liverpool.
The couple moved home quietly using a small van to move all but the most bulky items of furniture. Even Liverpool Corporation didn’t know they were going until they had gone.
The ruse worked. The occasional, determined American tourist tracked Mr and Mrs Harrison down to Appleton. But in the main, they were able to live their lives quietly – even though George dropped in for a visit occasionally.
Picture: Sevenoaks, as it was when the Harrison’s lived there.
Residents lose Beatle house battle
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
