PLANNING chiefs need 'firmer policy guidance' to limit 'garden-grabbing' in Warrington, according to a member of the development management committee.

Leader of the town's Liberal Democrats Cllr Bob Barr, who sits on the committee, has raised concerns over 'inconsistent decisions' due to no specific policy being in place.

Local authorities and communities across the country continue to be frustrated by the controversial practice, whereby developers build in the gardens of existing homes.

Cllr Barr, who is calling for a 'limit' on 'garden-grabbing', believes urban green space reduces pollution and increases wellbeing.

He said: "Applications keep coming before the planning committee in Warrington to build houses in what are now gardens, or to extend houses leaving almost no garden.

"Green space in the built-up area benefits everyone.

"As it now appears likely that at least some green belt will be released when the new local plan is passed, it is important not to sacrifice even more valuable green spaces in our residential areas.

"Unlike some other areas, Warrington has no specific 'garden development' policy so every application has to be considered on its merits – taking into account the impact on neighbours, the street scene and whether a site is likely to become 'over-developed'.

"However, this leads to inconsistent decisions.

"We could do with firmer policy guidance on the maximum ratio of building size to plot and the circumstances when gardens should not be built on.

"This would make the system clearer and fairer.

"Applicants and objectors would know where they stand.

"Where developers say there is no demand for large gardens they should provide public open space between and around houses on developments."

Warrington Borough Council has issued a response on the matter.

A spokesman said: "We are governed by, and adhere to, Government policy, which states that local planning authorities should resist inappropriate development of residential gardens, for example where development would cause harm to the local area.

"Garden development applications, like all planning applications, are each judged on their own merits, on a case-by-case basis, in line with national policy."