COUNCILLORS at Warrington went against the advice of planning officers and granted permission for a “detached annexe” at a house at Stockton Heath.
Officers had recommended the scheme in Fairfield Road be refused on the grounds it was excessive in scale, out of character with the area and an overly prominent addition to the street scene.
But after hearing arguments from the applicant, members of the borough council’s development management committee voted to approve the proposals.
The plan involves a detached annexe building to provide a garage, living space, office and bedroom to replace an existing single storey garage.
Councillors were told scheme involved replacing the existing garage and side extension with a free-standing two-storey building with roof space accommodation which would provide a garage on the ground floor and residential annexe on the upper two floors.
Stockton Heath Parish Council expressed concern and a neighbour objected on the grounds that the application was to all intents and purposes for a detached, three-storey house rather than an annexe.
But Cllr Judith Wheeler supported the plan. She accepted the design was unconventional but said Stockton Heath was an old village with many different styles of architecture.
“I feel this will add to that eclectic mix,” she said.
Highways chiefs did not oppose the development, subject to the provision of three parking spaces and the scheme was approved.
