A HOUSEHOLDER has won permission to use a chimney on a recently built summer house in his garden despite objections from a neighbour who claimed it looked like a “Roman villa.”
The property in Chester Road, Grappenhall was originally granted planning consent subject to a condition that the chimney be not used because of potential damage to a nearby beech tree.
But Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee has decided damage to the tree is unlikely.
They have decided the chimney can be used subject to a new condition that the tree be replaced if it dies within five years.
Neighbours originally opposed the development on the grounds it was poorly designed, too large for an outbuilding in a Victorian Conservation Area, looking more like a “Roman Villa.”
They were also concerned about smoke and heat damage to the adjacent tree caused by the use of the chimney for barbecues.
Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council commented that there was “good reason” for the original condition to be imposed.
But planning officers pointed out that the chimney was no lower than a chimney on a bungalow would be.
Although some smoke would arise from use of the chimney it would be no more than a neighbour using a log-burning stove, or having a bonfire.
