A GROUP of Culcheth residents have lodged an official complaint with Warrington Borough Council, claiming planning consent was given for a “garage” overlooking their homes without them being consulted.
They also claim it was misleading to describe the building in the grounds of Norley Lodge as a “garage” because of its size.
The objectors, all from Ribchester Gardens, are Colin and Carol Platt, David and Alexine Balfe, Andrew amd Lou Beanland, Mark and Katherine Hindley and Steve and Sam Russell.
They claim they have been appealing against the planning consent since last December.
Mr Platt said: “We have maintained all along that we have never received plans regarding this structure. We have been told, repeatedly by the council, that plans were sent out – and apparently they were.
“Unfortunately they were sent to residents in Shaw Street to house numbers that do not even exist.
“This building – a ‘garage’ – is taking light from our properties and soon, when velux windows are installed, will impinge on privacy.
“Obviously the residents of Ribchester Gardens would have very strongly objected to this building, had they had the chance.
“We have been very badly misled by Warrington Borough Council by, firstly, calling it a garage and, secondly, by sending out the plans to addresses that are non-existent.”
Mr Platt added that when he first raised the issue with the council, he was told: “Take it up with Royal Mail.” He did – and was told it was likely the council’s letters had been sent to numbers 1-5 Shaw Street – which did not exist – instead of 1-5 Ribchester Gardens.
A council spokesperson said: “A complaint has been received regarding the notification of local residents associated with a planning application at Norley Lodge. We provided a first response to a complaint made on behalf of multiple households in the area and, at the complainants’ request, this has been escalated to a full investigation of the matters raised. We are currently preparing a further response which will shortly be forwarded to them.”
