Historic pond could scupper proposals for village homes
AN 11TH hour plea over a pond means planning chiefs will rule again on proposals for a new housing estate in Hale Village.
Halton’s Development Management Committee had given the green light in December to a scheme by Knight Hill Homes for 13 properties in the heart of the village.
The site is on land bounded by Church End and Town Lane, which is in the Hale Village Conservation Area.
But the plans are now to be reconsidered at an upcoming meeting of the committee on February 5, after
Hale Parish Council lodged a late objection.
A report to the committee said that prior to the start of the December meeting, the committee chair received an email from Hale parish councillor Luke Trevaskis on behalf of Hale Parish Council confirming a position of objection.
The email contained further details than those previously submitted by Hale Parish Council as set out in the December committee report.
Due to the time of the email’s arrival just prior to the start of committee, its content was not noted until after the committee had made its decision.
The concerns raised revolve around an ‘historic pond’ on the site which the parish council said had not been adequately considered.
In his email, Cllr Trevaskis said: “The pond has historic significance to the local community, is of cultural value, and provides significant local biodiversity.
“As a key feature of Hale’s heritage, the pond has existed since the 1800s
Online orders postage and packaging applies. and it is disappointing that the developer has proposed to build over this natural drainage point, without providing any mitigation for an alternative site for the pond.
“The pond plays a vital role in enhancing the local environment and is important to residents and visitors alike.”
Following receipt of the email, planners made the applicant aware of the concerns raised.
The applicant’s heritage advisor responded with various points, including that there was no recording of a pond on site when visited in early
September
August.
Despite the objection there looks to be no last minute reprieve on the horizon, with the committee once again recommended to approve the scheme.
The new planning officer’s report concluded: “It is the council’s view that the pond is not easily viewed and cannot be seen from the public environment such is the level of overgrowth on site. Therefore the pond is not regarded as a focal point for the Town Lane area of the Hale Conservation Area.”
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