House plan approved on historic site

PLANS to convert a stable building into a four-bedroomed dwelling in the grounds of one of the oldest medieval moated sites in Cheshire have been given the green light by planning chiefs at Warrington.
Members of the borough council’s planning committee approved proposals for the development in the grounds of historic Lymm Hall.
Officers had recommended the scheme be refused because of a sub-standard access on to Rectory Lane, which they claimed would be detrimental to highway safety.
But Lymm councillor Sheila Woodyatt (pictured right)said: “This is a fantastic scheme because the stable building is an eyesore at the moment.
“It would be criminal to refuse it.
“I know the access is sub-standard – but it has been sub-standard for 200 years and there has never been an accident there.
“It is on a bad bend in a 20mph area and people drive carefully there. There has never been a collision of any kind.”
Lymm Hall is a Grade 2 listed building and was built in the late 16th century.
It 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 ancient monuments.
A report to the committee stated that the former stable block and laundry room which was in a dilapidated state.
English Heritage raised no objections and welcomed the continued use of Lymm Hall and its outbuidings and the repair and re-use of the laundry building.
They had given advice on the proposals and said they were pleased the advice was acted upon to create a development that minimised the impact on Lymm Hall and other historic buildings.
However they said there was a high potential for archaeological remains to be uncovered during building work and recommend that Cheshire Archaeological  Planning Service should be consulted
Planning officers argued that a four bedroomed dwelling would result in  higher levels of traffic leading to highway safety issues.
Pictured above: the derelict stable building in the grounds of Lymm Hall.