'Ripping the heart out' of village

9:22am Thursday 8th February 2007

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A PROPOSAL that could "rip the heart" out of Lymm village has been given the go ahead.

But the application could spark a change in the rules about how planning applications are made public.

At a meeting on Wednesday, councillors passed plans to turn Stephanie the florist on The Cross into a letting agency.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt told the committee that the scheme was another example of the erosion of life in the village.

She added: "The local shops are the heart of the village.

"I accept the need for a mix of businesses, but the balance must be right. I consider the balance is wrong with too much commercial and not enough retail and ask that this change of use be resisted."

Clr Ian Marks said he was worried by the lack of consultation surrounding the application.

He said many people in the village did not know the application had been made because the law did not require it to be advertised either in the area or the press.

He added: "It may be appropriate to extend the period of consultation and advertise it."

However, councillors decided to support the plans.

Meanwhile, another application is set to go forward later this month.

New blueprints have been submitted to develop 2 Pepper Street.

A previous scheme that would have seen a three-storey building constructed was thrown out, now one with only two storeys has been suggested.

Sceptics say the idea would destroy the character of the area.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt said the new development would still harm the appearance of the cross, one of the most historic venues in the county.