Extraordinary Planning Meeting – Monday 16 July, 7.30pm, Barbour Institute

At the last Parish Council Meeting, an extraordinary Planning Meeting was called for Monday 16 July at 7.30pm in the Barbour Institute.

This is because there are extensive planning issues which affect the Parish – particularly the proposals to

• re-develop the vacant premises at The Bear and Ragged Staff on the High Street
• the further phased development associated with the Gifford Lea Retirement Village and
• the Appeal by Ashley Wall in relation to land at the rear of Greenlands.

The Agenda for Monday's Meeting can be viewed by CLICKING HERE

We report below some updates which have been provided by Friends of Tattenhall.

THE BEAR AND RAGGED STAFF
Punch Partnership Ltd. (PML) have applied to CWAC (18/02269/FUL) to convert the building to seven flats and build three further units behind.

• Whilst this scheme might help our housing numbers, it would seemingly conflict with the Tattenhall Neighbourhood Plan which is in place to help resist inappropriate development.
• Policy 4.1, states that 'Development (which) supports the vibrancy and vitality of Tattenhall village centre by diversifying and enhancing the range of local shops and related commercial services for the local community will be allowed'.
• Policy 4.2, states that 'The loss of shops and related commercial services for the local community will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that reasonable efforts have been made to secure their continued use for these purposes'.

Any comments on this application (18/02269/FUL) should reach CWAC Planning Dept. by 26th July.

You might also recall that at the July PC meeting, a further proposal was raised. The July PC Draft Minutes are available on the PC Website and Tattenhall Online did record the following in their July Update:

• 'A Tattenhall resident of 12 years reported that a syndicate of local individuals intends to submit a planning application to develop a small boutique hotel/bar/restaurant in the 'Bear and Ragged Staff' property which is currently for sale on the High Street. The resident is mindful that this property is situated in the nucleus of the village and equally mindful that there is a commitment to maintain and sustain the vibrancy of the village centre (as readers will know, this is emphasised in the Neighbourhood Plan). Ward Councillor Mike Jones advised of the 'right to buy scheme' (a complex process but one with which the PC can assist').

GIFFORD LEA, RETIREMENT VILLAGE, FROG LANE, TATTENHALL
The developer has submitted an application (18/01889/S73) to alter various design features for Phase 3 of the scheme. Any comments on this application (18/01889/S73) should reach CWAC Planning Dept. by 20th July.

• The most obvious change seems to be increases in roof heights between 1-1.5 metres.
• This follows the significant height increases of Phase 2, which have such a detrimental visual impact on many viewpoints, including from Gorsefields. It is not unreasonable to suggest, therefore, that representatives from Inspired Villages be invited to explain these variations to the Parish Council and to local residents.

ASHLEY WALL APPEAL
Ashley Wall has appealed to the Secretary of State against CWaC's decision to refuse his application (13/01329/OUT) for up to 30 dwellings to be built on land to the rear of 15-38 Greenlands, Tattenhall.

Tattenhall Online has already reported on this – written representations must be made by 25 July – CLICK HERE

THE OUTLINE BARRATT HOMES APPLICATION FOR 30 HOUSES (17/04645/OUT)
There is little further news from the Planning department at CWAC relating to this proposal, except that sustainable drainage schemes are being discussed.

CWAC LOCAL PLAN PART 2
This plan proposes to establish a settlement boundary for the Key Service Centre of Tattenhall village, outside of which, housing development would not be allowed. The boundary would run along the edge of the existing built settlement except in the 'Barratt Field' (i.e. behind Grakle Croft) where it is drawn half way down the field. For example, in relation to the current Ashley Wall application, the boundary would run along the Keys Brook behind Greenlands.

The draft plan is now with the examining inspector who will check for 'soundness' etc. and consider objections (e.g. from developers opposed to the boundary noted above). This examination will be completed by October and the plan should be adopted by Christmas.

HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY REPORT
Following last year's Housing Needs Survey in Tattenhall, and incorporating much additional material, the Housing Needs Report has now been published. Tattenhall Online has already provided the links for this CLICK HERE

Findings from the Survey in Tattenhall indicate that:

• The greatest housing need is for suitable smaller market properties for older people to downsize (thus freeing up larger properties for families).
• The second greatest housing need is for smaller social/affordable and mainly rented 1/2/3 – bedroom starter homes for younger people.

TATTENHALL PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

• The 'community' does not yet have access to the Community Room.
• Nor is there any progress on the 'out of hours use' of the fenced School Field.