RESIDENTS have lost a planning battle over proposals to erect a grain store, machinery store and agricultural yard on land off Warrington Road, Hatton.
Borough planners have given the go-ahead to applicant Stuart Parkin, of Parkin Manor, Higher Walton despite objections from neighbours, supported by borough councillor Sharon Harris.
The scheme was an amendment to an earlier planning application which had already been approved.
But the objectors claimed the new proposals involved larger buildings and would have a bigger impact on the attractive country lane.
They claimed the access to the development would be on a notorious bend on a road frequently used as a “rat run”.
The applicant said the amended proposals would improve vehicle maneuverability and the buildings would be in keeping with other farm buildings in the area and the workshop section of the building had been relocated to reduce the visual impact of the development.
Cllr Harris had expressed concern at the loss of 90 metres of hedgerow and possible loss of two trees on a picturesque country road to improve visibility where the road opened out from a hairpin bend to enable large, slow moving vehicles to access the site.
The combination of large horseboxes and speeding traffic would be a “recipe for disaster.”
Cllr Harris added that the road also had a heavy pedestrian footfall, and was also used by many cyclists and horse riders.
She also claimed there had been no consultation with nearby residents or Hatton Parish Council.
