Fate of historic cottage hangs in the balance (From Warrington Guardian)

Fate of historic cottage hangs in the balance

VILLAGERS hope that by saving a historic Hartford landmark they will help to preserve the character of their village.

The fate of Sandiway Cottage, on Chester Road, still hangs in the balance as controversial plans to pull it down and build housing on the site are due to face a public inquiry at Wyvern House this month.

This is despite efforts of Hartford residents, the Civic Society, parish council and Vale Royal Borough Council, amongst others, to prevent the half-timbered house from being demolished.

The application by Morris Developments Ltd for 22 houses and vehicle access was rejected by Vale Royal Borough Council's planning committee in February 2004, after planning officers recommended refusal on the grounds that there was an over supply of housing in the area and that the application went against the local plan.

Morris Developments Ltd are now seeking outline approval for the principle of development, with detailed applications to follow if they achieve this.

Colin Perkins, chair of Hartford Civic Society, said: "It's a lovely building and that's really our major concern.

"It is one of the oldest buildings in Hartford that has survived."

Sandiway Cottage, currently a private residence, is thought to date from before 1845 and is set in grounds renowned for their display of spring flowers.

Colin said: "It would be a shame to lose this to make way for housing we don't really need anyway and it would erode the character of the village.

"There's a nice mix of old and new in Hartford and the older buildings soften the impact of the modern ones.

"We support the borough council in their original decision to reject the application - they did the right thing."

People wishing to speak out at the inquiry, to be held on January 19, must be there when it starts at 10am.