PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are being urged to throw out an application to convert a stable building into a four-bedroomed dwelling in the grounds of historic Lymm Hall.
Officers say the development should be refused because an additional dwelling on the site would intensify the use of an existing sub-standard access and be detrimental to highway safety.
But they are recommending that an application for listed building consent for internal works and an extension associated with the residential use of the same building be approved.
The borough council’s planning committee is due to consider both application on Wednesday.
Lymm Hall is a Grade 2 listed building was built in the late 16th century but was heavily restored, extended and altered in the mid and late 19th century. It is one of the oldest medieval moated sites in Cheshire and has been occupied continuously for more than 900 years. It is approached by a Grade 2 listed bridge over the now dry moat and former stables, probably dating from the early 17th century, are also listed.
The moated site, an ice house and two cockpits are recognised as scheduled monuments.
A report to be considered by the committee states that the application relates to a former stable block and laundry room which is in a dilapidated state and is clearly part of what was originally the “service area” of the estate.
English Heritage have not objected. They welcome the continued use of Lymm Hall and its outbuidings and the repair and re-use of the laundry building. They gave advise on the proposals and say they are pleased that the advice was acted upon to create a development that minimises the impact on Lymm Hall and other historic buildings.
However they say there is a high potential for archaeological remains to be uncovered during building work and recommend that Cheshire Archaeological Planning Service should be consulted
Cllr Ian Marks says he is familiar with the access onto Rectory Lane and agrees it is far from ideal. But he points out there are fewer people living at the hall, so traffic movements would be less than in the past.
He points out that an earlier proposal for a one-bedroom dwelling was approved, although never acted upon. The hall is licensed for weddings and the council did not object to this. The speed limit in Rectory Lane is 20mph and he knows of no accidents in recent years.
But planning officers say the new application is for a much larger, four bedroom dwelling so there is potential for higher levels of traffic than would have been caused by the earlier approved scheme.
They are recommending the plan be refused because of highway safety issues.
Picture: the derelict stable building in the grounds of Lymm Hall.
