Green light for historic home plans
The redevelopment of an historic Wigan building will go ahead even though the developer has lost a planning appeal.
A planning inspector ruled against the owners of Ashfield House Hotel, in Standish, who launched an appeal in May after Wigan Council rejected plans to turn the listed building into apartments and to build luxury flats in the grounds.
Ian Beasley, appointed by the Planning Inspectorate to conduct the inquiry, dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the proposed changes to the application were inappropriate.
But the controversial redevelopment will go ahead because a second application, submitted shortly after the first application was rejected, has been approved by Wigan Council.
Council officials previously expressed their surprise that the owner, Mel Street, had continued with the appeal once permission for the second scheme was granted.
In his decision, Mr Beasley stated: "The appellants' primary objective is to obtain permission for the proposed development without a condition requiring a financial contribution for the provision and maintenance of off-site play equipment.
"Should this fail, the appellants seek permission subject to a condition requiring the provision of a play space and equipment on-site, in lieu of off-site provision."
Under Wigan Council's development plan, housing developers are encouraged to make a "proportionate contribution" to local services, whether to existing or new facilities.
Click next page for more ...John Hunter, representing Wigan Council, told the inquiry that a "proportionate contribution" in respect of the Ashfield House development equated to around 17,000.
Mr Hunter said: "In the case of housing developments there must be, or there ought to be, provision in respect of play, sports and recreation and so on. It might be argued that that means on-site rather than off-site provision."
Giles Cannock, for Mr Street, argued that young childless couples and older couples were expected to move into the new flats so sufficient recreation space could by provided on site.
A small on-site children's play area was included in the amended plans but was deemed inappropriate by the council.
However, Mr Cannock said that regardless of the outcome of the inquiry, the second set of plans had already been approved meaning that council requirement was the only sticking point.
Some residents, who have fought against the redevelopment of the site, claimed that they had not been informed that the second application was approved
Eddie Clayton, of Ashfield House Gardens, raised concerns that the second application was approved without sufficient notification, although notices were put up and letters sent out.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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