Bid to alter historic hall rejected

AN application to make alterations to a building has been refused by the council over fears it would harm the setting of an adjacent Grade-II listed hall.

Applicant Aftab Hussain had applied for planning permission to demolish a single storey extension at the Oakenrod Edge property and erect a two storey extension, along with other external alterations.

The detached red brick property in Bamford is surrounded by other residential properties which includes Oakenrod Hall, a Grade II listed building. However, the plans were refused by the council, with officers saying the scale and design of the extensions would look “poorly designed, prominent and incongruous” in the area.

They added: “Furthermore, due to the design and massing that would be created by the extensions the proposal would impose on and harm the setting of the adjacent designated heritage asset, the Grade II listed building, Oakenrod Hall.”

The council have also refused an application for the development of five new dwellings over worries that it would harm the character of the area.

The application from Paul Merrington would have seen the demolition of all existing structures on land at 7 Broad Lane and four semi-detached properties and a detached dwelling constructed.

In recommending refusal, council officers said the principle of development was acceptable but the design and layout would be at odds with those already on the road and would result in an unacceptable loss of trees.