PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have thrown out proposals for a 7m high flagpole – on which it was intended to fly the Union Jack – in the front garden of a detached house in Cann Lane North, Appleton.
They heard there had been two objections from neighbours – both of which raised concerns about the impact the flag would have on visual amenity and the character of the local area and the possible impact of noise – the “flapping” of the flag in the wind – on neighbouring properties.
Appleton Parish Council had also discussed the application and had expressed concern about the flag encroaching over neighbouring land when flown.
The flying of the Union Jack and other national flags has been deemed planning consent under Town and Country planning regulations – provided the flagpole is no higher 4.6m.
Warrington Borough Council planning officers noted the proposed flag pole would “vastly exceed” the 4.6m maximum allowed height. They also noted it would be sited in a highly prominent location, forward of the building line and exceeding the height of the neighbouring house.
“Owing to this the proposed development is not considered to respect, sustain and make a positive contribution to the distinctive local character of Cann Lane North.”
However, officers did not believe the noise impact would be any greater of what would be considered acceptable if the flagpole were 4.6m high.
They also noted that there would be no direct, obtrusive views of the flagpole from the windows of the nearest house.
Council urge residents not to display flags from lampposts or public property
