Residents in row over bungalow conversion proposal

A BID to convert a bungalow into a two-storey house in Runcorn has been called in for decision after objections from residents including that land ownership certificates were ‘falsified’ and claims that the applicants might have received favourable treatment because they work for Halton Council and Halton Housing Trust.

The application relates to the property called ‘Jamar’ on Halton Station Road between the M56 junction 12 roundabout network and Wood Lane after letters were sent out on April 13 with 10 more on April 25.

Objectors have alleged that work has started without planning permission in place, and that planning certificates contained falsified ownership information.

In addition they claimed that the application was not ‘subject to the same rigorous’ processes and restrictions as other residents and asked whether this was because they ‘worked for Halton Housing Trust’ and ‘Halton Borough Council’.

Residents made other objections.

They said the property will double the size of the existing property and be out of character with the nearby bungalows near Wood Lane.

They have also opposed the use of the phrase ‘loft conversion’ in reference to raising the roof.

They further slated the scheme, saying raised windows will overlook nearby properties, there will be no land left to be used as gardens, off-road parking would be insufficient and the works would cause noise, dust, pollution and ‘commotion’.

There were also objections that the plan said the garages will be removed when they have already been removed and that work has already started without planning permission.

Pat Wainwright, resident, has been fighting the plan for over a year and has repeatedly accused the project of having inaccurate information on a planning certificate relating to the ownership of the plot.

A report published by Halton Borough Council ahead of the decision meeting on the matter this Monday, June 5, said the application has been revised and resubmitted and now includes an updated planning certificate.

Eight of the 10 representations made over the scheme were opposed, while two supported the scheme.

Backers said the property will sit ‘comfortably’ in its surroundings with sufficient outdoor space and parking room while bringing the ‘tired’ property up to modern standards.

The application, which was lodged by a Mr Matthew Pickstock, was called in by Cllr Chris Rowe, Heath ward, Liberal Democrat.

Halton Council said a previous proposal for the site made in 2015 was withdrawn after the local authority raised design concerns.

Two semi-detached houses are being built on land to the south west.

Halton Council’s planning officer has recommended the scheme for approval with conditions, arguing that the development would not ‘unacceptably’ alter the property’s appearance, character or garden space nor create hazardous driving conditions.

The author of the report said the ‘falsified certificate’ had not been raised by the owner of the land, the applicant’s mother.

They said: “The application process relies on people acting in good faith.

“Applicants are expected to provide true and accurate information.

“The issues centred on the site not being owned by the applicant but by the applicant’s mother.

“The applicant has stated that the owner of the site (his mother) was aware of the applications and the council has also received written confirmation of this.

“Based on this and the fact that the owner of the site has not complained, any attempt to prosecute under section 65 of The Town And Country Planning Act 1990 would not be successful and a waste of public money.

“The issues were investigated under the council’s corporate complaints procedure and by the Local Government Ombudsman, who found no fault in the way the council handled the matter.”