Thumbs up for three storey homes that are 'like acne on Woolston's landscape' (From Warrington Guardian)

Thumbs up for three storey homes that are 'like acne on Woolston's landscape'

BLUEPRINTS to build three-storey homes in Woolston have been approved with conditions by planning chiefs, despite objections from residents.

Plans to build 10 houses on the former builders yard, at Greenway, Paddington, have been criticised by Poulton with Fearnhead Parish Council and neighbours.

They say the buildings, eight of which utilise roof space, will intrude on their privacy and are out of character with more traditional houses in the area.

Speaking at the meeting on December 15, Clr Colin Froggatt said: "This planning application represents three-storeys by stealth

"I can't quite describe it as a carbuncle but I think it is acne on the landscape, which really needs to be modified."

He added: "The houses are out of character with the area and overlook existing houses.

"They should be more traditional and in keeping with the area."

He also accused the developer, Balfour Homes Ltd, of trying to maximise profits by "cramming in" as much as it can.

A spokesman for Balfour Homes said: "We could have designed a large apartment application if we really wanted to maximise profits."

He said that rear windows would be made of frosted glass to deal with the overlooking problem and that the buildings would not be much higher than the traditional houses.

The spokesman added: "We feel that it's a very good design.

"The area already has three storey apartments.

"We have taken into account residents' concerns about distance and overlooking."