Barns plan put on hold

PLANNING bosses at Warrington have put off a decision on a controversial proposal to convert a pair of 19th century barns into five dwellings.
Members of the borough council’s planning committee want to carry out a site inspection before they make up their minds.
The scheme also involves the demolition of Hollingreave Farm, in Dam Lane, Rixton, to make way for a new two-storey house.
It is being opposed by neighbours and by Rixton-with-Glazebrook Parish Council.
They claim the Green Belt site is not large enough to accommodate five additional dwellings – and that the old barns are not worth preserving.
But planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved and say the parish council’s view that the buildings are not worth retention is “subjective”.
They believe the barns are inherently attractive and the conversion proposals will enhance them.
North Cheshire Developments Ltd want to demolish the existing farmhouse and replace it with a modern, two-storey detached house.
The two 19th century barns would be converted to five one-and-a-half and two-storey dwellings – one which would be “affordable.”
In addition, four of five 20th century agricultural buildings would be removed – as well as a double garage block.
Landscaping proposals include the creation of a native wildflower meadow, with existing hedging retained and enhanced.
Three years ago, planners refused permission for the conversion of three barns to offices after objections from neighbours that the development would amount to a “mini-industrial estate” in the Green Belt.