PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have decided to delay a decision on a controversial riverside development – to give time to find out if water voles live in the area.
Originally, members of the borough council’s planning committee were recommended to refuse the retrospective application until a survey was carried out into the local vole population at Burtonwood.
But councillors decided deferment was a better course of action.
A brick potting shed has already been built on the land, with a concrete path and wall linking it to a house in Clay Lane. Raised planting beds have also been created within the new garden area.
Two neighbours have lodged objections.
Officers say there is evidence of water voles living within 1km of the site and if a survey finds evidence of them on the site, it may be necessary to reinstate the river embankment.
Environment Agency officers do not object – but say the site is in an area of high flood risk and that work carried out within 8m of the top of the river bank may be unlawful.
The applicant has agreed not to undertake any further work on the site until the survey into the voles has been completed in April and May.
PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have decided to delay a decision on a
controversial riverside development - to give time to find out if water
voles live in the area.
Water voles hold up riverbank plan
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
