Objectors overruled on housing plan

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to amend plans for seven houses on vacant land previously used as a garden area at Lymm has been given the go-ahead despite strong local opposition.
The amendments will mean developers can build the houses on a land-locked site between Cedarfield Road and the disused Farmers Arms pub without having to include one “affordable” dwelling in the scheme.
Instead, they will have to make £23,000 towards the cost of affordable house elsewhere – and it must be in Lymm within the next two and-a-half years.
The decision was made by Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee despite opposition from Lymm Parish Council and from local borough councillors Sheila Woodyatt, Bob Barr and Ian Marks.
Three local residents also lodged objections.
Originally the proposals were opposed by 17 residents of Cedarfield Road, Orchard Road and Springbank Gardens, who feared the develo9pment would lead to increased traffic on already congested local roads – particularly Sandy Lane.
There was also concern that the site would be over-developed and would overshadow bungalows in Cedarfield Road.
Officers recommended the developer’s offer be  accepted because a change in legislation now meant the authority could not insist on “affordable” homes on any development of less than 11 dwellings.