Barns scheme back before planners

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish a farmhouse and convert a pair of 19th century barns into five dwellings is back before Warrington planners
Members of the borough council’s planning committee have visited the site in Dam Lane, Rixton after hearing of objections from Rixton-with-Glazebrook Parish Council and four nearby residents.
They will decide on Wednesday (Sept 12) whether the scheme, put forward by North Cheshire Developments Ltd, can go ahead.
The scheme involves the demolition of Hollingreave Farm,to make way for a new two-storey house, in addition to the barn conversions.
Objectors claim the Green Belt site is not large enough to accommodate five additional dwellings – and that the old barns are not worth preserving.
But planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved and say the parish council’s view that the buildings are not worth retention is “subjective”.
They believe the barns are inherently attractive and the conversion proposals will enhance them.
The two 19th century barns would be converted to five one-and-a-half and two-storey dwellings – one which would be “affordable.”
In addition, four of five 20th century agricultural buildings would be removed – as well as a double garage block.
Landscaping proposals include the creation of a native wildflower meadow, with existing hedging retained and enhanced.
Three years ago, planners refused permission for the conversion of three barns to offices after objections from neighbours that the development would amount to a “mini-industrial estate” in the Green Belt.