PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are being urged to refuse permission for a father to provide a safe lay-by near his home for his disabled son to be picked up by a school bus.
The lay-by has already been built in Bank Street, Glazebrook and would have to be returned to its original condition if planning consent is denied.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee will have to make the decision, but officers are recommending they refuse consent.
Rixton with Glazebrook Parish Council have objected to the application but borough councillor Pat Wright wants the committee to consider the “serious detrimental impact” on the quality of both the father and his eight year old son that would arise if the application was refused.
The parish council says the development has taken a large area out of the Green Belt for highway reasons which could be achieved by using a smaller area.
A report to the committee states that the applicant has three children, one of which suffers from various disabilities.
The area of hardstanding created allows the family to park a second vehicle off road, provides a safe board area when the school bus calls and allows a carer to park off-road overnight.
Highways chiefs have objected on the grounds of inadequate visibility and use of materials.
Officers say the development is inappropriate in the Green Belt. Although the personal circumstances of an applicant can be taken in account they are seldom sufficient to amount to the very special circumstances necessary for approval in the Green Belt.
The removal of trees and shrubs from the site have made it more prominent in the Green Belt and “urbanised” the area.
A letter of support for the applicant has been received from the school his son attends.
2 Comments
A despicable attitude from the usual jobsworths.
Yet another example of inconsistencies in the planning dept, and yes a despicable attitude.