NEIGHBOURS are strongly objecting to plans to demolish a historic building in Thelwall village to allow four new houses to be built.
They are hoping that ecological surveys will show the site is home to badgers and the protected Great Crested Newts, so that development cannot go ahead.
The application, by the executors of the will of Miss J M Williamson, is for The Bridge House, Stockport Road, 
Thelwall, to be demolished and two detached and two semi-detached houses built on the site.
Cllor Mike Biggin (pictured), of Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council, said: “This is an important building at the gateway to the historic centre of the village.
“Residents claim to have seen Great Crested Newts there, which are a protected species and badgers, so there will have to be an ecological survey on the site.”
The application has been deferred to allow a site visit and Cllr Biggin said residents around the area are very concerned about the proposed development.
Cllr Biggin said: “We oppose this development as it means the spread of the urban sprawl into the rural area. It would also change the character of the village centre.”
He said there was a growing campaign locally against the development which is within the Conservation Area.
Cllr Biggin said: “The proposed development would have a hugely detrimental effect on the surrounding area and seriously mar the appearance of the village scene. The area is of significant historical and scenic importance, the inappropriate nature of the proposed several houses is in stark contrast to the atmosphere and ambience of the surroundings.”
He said that Helen Lacy at Warrington Borough Council reported that a Habitat Suitability Index Assessment has been carried out to assess the suitability of the nearby pond as a habitat for Great Crested Newts. The area had a low score as the area seemed an unlikely habitat.
The low score means that further, more extensive, site surveys are not requested as there is a low likelihood of the presence of the species.
However as local residents had claimed to have seen the newts, a survey would probable be carried out. A survey will also be carried out on the badger habitation.
4 Comments
If voles can’t be found then claiming to see newts is a must. Darwin must be having a chuckle at the regular antics of Warrington Councillors.
old building….. heritage…… warrington……. councillors…….. no chance!
Looks to me like a Councilor supporting his constituents. Good man!
I wish you well but there is not much hope that Warrington Councillors will support heritage in the Town since much of it has been swept away in previous years.