A PLAN to convert a Green Belt stable block into a new home has been given the go-ahead, despite fierce objections from local councillors.
Warrington borough council’s planning sub-committee approved the scene at Birch Tree Farm, Appleton in the face of claims that applicant John Bryan had deliberately circumvented planning regulations.
Strong objections were lodged by Appleton Parish Council.
Coun Brian Axcell claimed the building – erected less than nine years ago – had never been used as stables.
He said: “If permission were to be granted for residential use, planning regulations would have been circumvented. Permission would have been gained for something which would certainly have been refused if an application for residential use had been made at the outset.”
Appleton Parish Council argued that the application was contrary to borough council policy on managing the housing supply which stated that conversions of farm buildings for residential development would not be allowed.
Planning officers admitted a residential application in 1991 would probably have been refused but said the issue now was for the re-use of a building in the Green Belt.
