Victory for 'the people' in complex plan (From Warrington Guardian)

Victory for 'the people' in complex plan

A CONTROVERSIAL scheme that would have altered the centre of Lymm has been blocked by the smallest possible margin.

Members of the council's development control committee voted five to four to throw out plans to demolish a house on the corner of Pepper Street and build a complex of apartments and shops in its place.

The scheme would have been just metres away from the historic Cross and had caused huge controversy in the village.

Clr Ian Marks told the meeting that the plans had been rushed through and that more public consultation should have taken place.

He added: "Any building here must be outstanding. This is okay, but certainly not outstanding.

"This is the building most people will see behind as they walk up by The Cross."

He explained that the complex would cause traffic problems in the village and compound the issues of illegal parking on Pepper Street.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt called it an "extremely sensitive" site.

She added that the proposals would be damaging to the views of the historic spot.

"This proposed development is at the end of the biggest cul-de-sac in the borough.

"Our conservation officer and planners believe this enhances the conservation area.

"We locals totally disagree and with respect to officers, when it comes to our village we are the experts," she added.