AN 'immaculate' James Bond-themed Grappenhall home valued at £1.45 million will be reduced to rubble to make way for four homes after a dramatic night at the Town Hall.

Plans to demolish Moonacre, on Cliff Lane, in order to build four new properties were approved by the development control committee on Wednesday – but only after a motion for refusal was defeated.

The site, which is occupied, was transformed from vacant offices into the residential unit following permission from planning chiefs in 2011.

Warrington Guardian:

Applicant Robert Foden then filled Moonacre, a play on 007 film Moonraker, with luxuries including stylish mirrors and a spiral staircase, inspired by the Bond classics.

It featured on TV show May the Best House Win in 2013 and was on the market for £1.45 million a year later but Cllr Sheila Woodyatt (CON – Lymm South) admitted she was not one of the site's admirers.

"It is a most unusual building. In my view it is not an architectural gem and I think it will be a planning gain to build four homes," she said.

"I do not believe it would have a detrimental effect."

Warrington Guardian:

Blueprints received one letter of support, which was signed by occupants of two different properties.

But Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council objected to the proposal, along with two residents, on the basis that the 0.28 hectare site is located within the Green Belt.

It also believes permission given for the change of use from the former office unit should 'not be altered'.

Parish councillor Elaine Welborn spoke on behalf of the parish council at the meeting.

Warrington Guardian:

She said: "It would have an adverse effect on the street scene. There would not be enough parking space at each site."

Cllr Joan Grime (LAB – Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft) said on-street parking would be 'inevitable' if plans were passed, while Cllr Bob Barr (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) felt Mr Foden asked for one house 'too many'.

He added: "It is unusual to have an application to destroy an immaculate house."

Following discussions a motion for refusal was put forward but it was defeated by six votes to five.

Seconds later, a motion for approval was tabled and backed by six votes to five, as per the recommendation.

It means four two-storey, detached homes – each with four bedrooms – will be developed on the land.

The property currently has provision for 10 car parking spaces but this is set to increase by six.