Charity group seeks permission for Green Belt development

PLANNING chiefs are being asked to approve retrospective proposals to erect a greenhouse and other buildings at the Walton Lea Nursery in Chester Road, Walton, Warrington.
The application by charity group the Walton Lea Partnership, also includes the change of use of existing buildings to a tea room and retail space.
Nearby residents have objected to the scheme on the grounds of traffic congestion on the Walton Lea access road and sewage pollution into neighbouring gardens. But officers are recommending the borough council’s development management committee to approve the scheme despite it being in the Green Belt.
They say the principle of development in the Green Belt is acceptable and the living conditions of neighbours will be protected. They also believe there will be adequate parking space and no unacceptable impact on the local highway network.
A report to the committee says the site is mainly used as a horticultural education centre to support the charity, which provides education and personal development training for adults with learning difficulties through horticulture, woodwork and the recycling of furniture and bicycles.
Much of the site is within a walled garden which, although not listed, has a historic link with the Walton Estate.