A PLAN to build four houses on the courts at Manor Road Tennis Club, Lymm has been given the go-ahead – despite objections from more than 50 nearby residents.
The decision by Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee means an end to tennis in Manor Road, where the game has been played for more than 50 years.
But the club has merged with nearby Lymm Rugby Club where four new floodlit, all-weather courts are being built as part of a major redevelopment project. Residents who opposed the scheme were supported by Lymm Parish Council, who argued that it represented over development of the site and would lead to parking problems, with cars parking in the street.
They were also concerned about the impact on the ecology of the site and said the new houses – three four bedroomed and one three bedroomed would compromised the existing Manor Court apartments.
Neighbours claimed there had been a lack of consultation and sais development plans did not show existing properties accurately. They argued that the scheme should not be used to provide funding for the re-development of the rugby club. A smaller scheme would be more acceptable.
But planning officers said the tennis courts would be replaced with new ones at the rugby club. They argued that the development would have no harmful impact on nearby residents and the provision of four new houses would contribute towards the borough’s housing need.
It is hoped the new courts will be ready for play by next summer.
