CCTV cameras can stay in place at gated house

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have ruled that CCTV security cameras erected at a large, gated house can stay in place.
In addition, another camera can be erected in the rear garden of the house, in Windmill Lane, Appleton.
A part retrospective application divided councillors at a meeting of the borough council’s development committee.
Members were told two, two-metre high metal poles each forming the mounting for a CCTV camera had been erected on either side of the entrance to the house without planning consent.
Plans for a third camera on a 4.5 metre high pole to be erected in the rear garden were also to be considered, but an existing camera attached to a tree in the rear garden would be removed.
Six neighbours had been consulted and supported the application – stating that they felt safer with the cameras in place. But two other neighbours had expressed concern.
Local councillor Brian Axcell also objected, on the grounds the cameras affected the privacy of adjoining houses and captured images of people using Windmill Lane rather than protecting the house.
The committee was told there were a number of other cameras attached to the house but these did not require planning consent.
Officers recommended the proposal be approved – and the committee agreed.