ANGRY residents are opposed to plans by McCarthy and Stone to build 45 retirement apartments on Green Belt land at Watercress Farm next to the Dairy Farm estate in Lymm.
Local Councillor Ian Marks said: “This land is in the Green Belt and I don’t believe there are any very special circumstances to justify release of this land now. It follows soon after a proposal by Bellway to build houses and a medical centre next door to this site.
“Both these proposals are premature because the Local Plan has yet to be examined in Public by an Inspector. This examination is expected later in the year and will determine if any Green Belt land in the area is to be released.
“In 2007 McCarthy and Stone applied for planning permission for 53 sheltered apartments for the elderly on what was then the Rushgreen Filling Station but is now Sainsbury’s. This was turned down on appeal. Although circumstances are different now, some of the reasons for dismissing the appeal still stand and set a precedent against development.
Cllr. Marks added: “We have campaigned for years to retain the gap between the settlements of Lymm and Oughtrington and this proposal would be a significant intrusion. The entrance would be at the end of Thirlmere Drive which is far from ideal. Residents are horrified at all the disruption that would result during the construction period.”
McCarthy & Stone say the plans propose the construction of 45 Retirement Living apartments set amongst attractive, landscaped gardens with on-site parking provision. The proposed development is in a sustainable location near the centre of Lymm, with all the amenities that the village has to offer just a short distance away.
McCarthy Stone has carried out a pre-application public consultation with the local community on its proposals, including a virtual exhibition from the 6th to the 20th of May 2022, which over 2,000 residents, businesses and stakeholders were invited to view.
Retirement home specialist McCarthy & Stone seeks planning permission for 45 apartments at Lymm
