Green belt office application rejected

12:23pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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A GREEN belt office development in Croft has been turned down because of concerns about its location.

A company wanted to turn agricultural buildings on Sandy Brow Lodge, on Sandy Brow Lane, into offices, but Warrington Council's planning committee ruled against the plans last Wednesday.

Councillors heard from Ian Gauchwin, speaking on behalf of H&L Greenwood Property Investments Ltd, the company behind the plans.

He said: "The existing buildings are certainly in a poor condition. This would not be detrimental to the surrounding area, there is a shortage of office space in the area."

But residents complained that the development would spoil the green belt land and said the site was not an ideal location for offices.

Mr Allen, speaking against the plans, said: "There is no public transport anywhere near the development, Croft is right in the middle of the green belt.

"The reason we don't have offices in Croft is because it is a rural area and the application would be setting a dangerous precedent."

The scheme brought some debate among councillors with some believing that the buildings needed refurbishing.

Clr George Warburton (LAB-Penketh), said: "They are a health hazard and they have got to give sooner or later."

Clr Bernard Long (LD-Westbrook), said the development was not near homes and would not offer jobs to unemployed people in the town.

The councillors voted eight to one to refuse planning permission.