A STORM has broken over plans to demolish a landmark building in the centre of Lymm village and replace it with a four bedroom house with associated garden room.
The scheme – put forward by Mr and Mrs Eric Drinkwater, whose family has owned the property for several generations – involves a 60-year-old bungalow overlooking the Lower Dam.
A row of picturesque, Grade 2 Listed cottages adjoin the site.
Plans have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department and are currently under consideration.
But a number of nearby residents are opposing the scheme and claim they were not given adequate notice of the application. Lymm Parish Council had also lodged an objection.
One resident says the proposed replacement house looks more like a warehouse.
“It is so wrong. A good design could enhance the ambiance of the Lower Dam, but this proposal misses by a mile.”
Another says: “I and various neighbours are incensed at this development. It will completely denigrate the centre of Lymm village. I do not want my outlook to be ruined by this monstrosity.”
A third resident says: “This will destroy the picturesque village centre. A new, sympathetic design in needed. And one that does not dominate the outlook. It should remain a single-storey building.”
The bungalow itself is said to be in a dilapidated condition and not habitable. It has not been lived in since 2011.
Reports supporting the application claim the existing building is out of keeping with others in the area.
It is in a poor condition and has no historic or architectural interest
“The changes will result in the replacement of a poor quality mid-20th century bungalow out of keeping with other buildings in the area, with a new dwelling in a high-quality contemporary style in a sympathetic palette of materials, in line with best practice for work in historic areas.”
They argue that the proposals will enhance the conservation area.
Pictured below: How the scene might look
