PROPOSALS to convert a historic barn into two dwellings in the Green Belt have been given the go-ahead by Warrington planners – despite strong local objections.
The Grade 2 Listed barn is on a Green Belt at Stretton House, in Northwich Road, Stretton – and local borough councillors Kenneth Critchley and Ghazala Chapman both lodged objections. Stretton Parish Council also opposed the scheme.
But Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee approved the plan after their officers said it would result in a positive re-use of an existing building without harming the openness of the Green Belt and have no adverse impact on the heritage assets of adjacent Listed buildings or highway safety.
Although a small number of trees would have to be removed, there would be no unacceptable impact on wildlife.
The objectors claimed the development would create traffic hazards on a road that is already dangerous because it is narrow, has acute bends and already attracts a lot of HGVs.
The barn is located on a bend which would make it particularly hazardous, particularly for vehicles approaching from the Northwich direction, they claimed.
There were also issues concerning ecology – particularly the impact on bats and house sparrows.
