Villagers snub new housing bid (From Warrington Guardian)

Villagers snub new housing bid

PLANS to build 14 homes in a conservation area have hit a brick wall after intervention by residents and their MP.

Jedi Inns Ltd had sought permission for a development on land next to the Swan Inn Public House on Wirswall Road in Marbury.

But a public outcry prompted more than 100 residents of the rural village to voice their objections to planning chiefs and MP Stephen O'Brien stepped in to support the residents' campaign.

The developers finally withdrew the plans as they were due to come before decision-makers last week, with a recommendation for refusal.

Marbury Parish Council argued that the proposed housing design was not in-keeping with the character of the area.

Residents feared that the extra housing would put more strain on water and electricity services, which already experience problems, and other local amenities.

The highways authority had refused to support the application due to the condition of local roads and fears that less car parking space would be available for the Swan Inn, leading to parking in residential areas.

Archaeologists had requested investigation of the site before planning permission was granted and housing chiefs were not convinced a need had been demonstrated for the new housing.

kcooksey@guardiangrp.co.uk