Plans have been approved for a new detached house on vacant land which was part of a former public house.
Having been granted planning permission to replace The Riflemans Arms on Moor Lane with 8 dwellings in July 2013, which are currently under construction, New Moor GB Ltd sought permission to build a two-storey, three bedroom house with a flat roof and three car parking spaces.
The vacant site is situated on the west side of New Street and was previously used as a car park.
Wilmslow Town Council's Planning Committee recommend refusal of this application on the grounds of being contrary to Policy SE2 3(i) of the Local Plan relating to being out-of- keeping with the street scene.
Letters were also received from 16 properties. Concerns raised included the design being out of character with the area; lack of parking on New Street and residents having lost the ability to park on the site; the new house will overlook existing houses; over-development of the site and the impact on trees/hedges and the overbearing impact on the neighbouring property.
Whilst others felt that the design is attractive and makes use of a previously developed site.
The planning officer stated that given the lack of overriding character in the area it is not reasonable to resist the proposal on the basis of design and also that the loss of parking, that once took place on the site, is not a material planning consideration because it was taking place on private land and the land owner was permissive of this.
The application was recommended for approval because the site is in a residential area and is a sustainable location; the proposal is of an acceptable design and does not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the neighbouring residential properties.
Comments
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Not in keeping with anything
Think of the new family moving in, bringing business to Wilmslow. The parents may well run a business that provides jobs to local people.
I can’t be the only contributor to this site that is sick and tired of the constant negativity and pessimistic comments being left by the majority. We all need to start to appreciate where we live and welcome new housing, new people and enjoy and embrace change. Trust me we are the lucky ones and we only live once.
As Guy said things change and its nice to see something a little different instead of another jones style home.
It’s only the crazy position that the council has found itself in, and the consequences if the local housing stock is not provided according to the governments requirments, that these houses been allowed to be built
The block house is out of place, may be in another location, a very nice house
In its current location, just infill , quite out of place
I assume that this house has set the standard for the style and design of any house that can be built in the Wilmslow distinct
With regards to the design of this building, Cheshire East Planning stated in the Officer's Report:
"The design of the property is a subjective matter and this is highlighted by the fact that representations have been received both objecting and in support of the design proposed."
There were 16 comments received from private residents: 12 objecting and 4 supporting. Of the 4 supporting the proposal, only one lives in the immediate vicinity of the development. In addition, Wilmslow Town Council also recommended refusing the application.
Whilst the design may be subjective, Cheshire East Planning ave completely disregarded the opinion of the majority of local people (75%) and Wilmslow Town Council and determined that it is only their own opinion that matters.
(Almost) anything is better than the ugly edifice that was The Riflemans - and it's ugly car park.
Response to proposed brownfield developments in Wilmslow: outrage, complain bitterly, castigate developers and planning authorities.
Even our cosy affluent little green villages..towns and cities need to change.
No. I don’t live near the site of the new house. If I did I would be even more positive towards it. Especially when you see the current building.
I don’t need to justify my comments, however to demonstrate that not all Wilmslow residents are self centred and obsessed with the status quo:
In the last year I have actively encouraged parking outside my house by people then getting on the train to work. I don’t need the space during the day and I want to help people prosper and work and bring spending power into Wilmslow. This included me refusing to sign a petition recently created by a few of my neighbours proposing yellow lines.
I have also refused to be involved in petitions etc against more housing in green belt opposite the estate I live in. My response to the practitioners of the petition (individuals that live on my estate) was that 20 years ago our houses would not have been built if the same petitions were created then. Ie I wouldn’t have been able live where I live. At some point Pete Your living room was a field. Makes you think doesn’t it?
As far as other comments relating to whingers, negativity etc. are concerned: the majority of people were objecting to the design, not to a house being built on the site, so a new family, and any business they could possibly bring into the area, would be accommodated anyway.
Speaking of the majority, whether you're in agreement or not, I thought we lived in a democracy. However, obviously this is not the case in this instance, given the decision by Cheshire East Planning to ignore the majority.