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A developer’s third attempt to demolish a set of stables has failed after their appeal was rejected. The latest bid was the third time that the council had rejected plans to build over the Hilltop Stables on George’s Lane, Horwich. The site sits in a green belt area – and inside a conservation area.
Appealing the decision, however, the developer did not find more sympathetic ears at the Planning Inspectorate, who agreed with the council’s ruling. Inspector A Veevers visited the site, and found that the proposed bungalow would be of a “similar footprint” to the stables currently there. They said that “the site’s existing contribution to Green Belt openness is limited” and the proposed bungalow “would be similar” in effect.
The developer’s proposed plan for the bungalow would have recreated the “L” shape of the stables. However, the site sits within the Wallsuches Conservation Area – covering the rural land around the former bleachworks building. Inspector Veevers said: “The prominent ridge and the lower slopes of the moors and the disused stone quarries form a dramatic backdrop to Wallsuches.
“This, along with the traditional design and use of materials in the area, commonly narrow lanes, woodland, open moorland and rough pasture and the steeply sloping topography are defining characteristics of the conservation area." They said that “woodland to the west” and “open moorland to the south” form an “important part of the character” of the conservation area, and the “relatively undeveloped nature of the area” means it is viewable from as far as Chorley Old Road. 3D render of the proposed bungalow on the site (Image: Bolton Council) They said: “[The conservation area’s significance] is derived from the historical architectural and social interest of Wallsuches complex as an example of surviving local industrial heritage.
“Moreover, its physical and functional relationship with the surrounding rural topography underpin and contribute to its historical significance.” Although the inspector said “there is little to indicate that these views were designed or were historic views” they said that “it is part of the way that the CA is experienced". Inspector Veevers said that the stable “currently blends in with the prevailing rural character of the area".
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uk Although, they accepted that the proposed materials for the bungalow “reflect those found on properties locally” – they said the building would be “noticeably different” in form and appearance. The inspector agreed that the quarry north of the site has “somewhat diminished the setting” but said “the current street scene has its own inherent rural character to the south of the lane which has its own merit. They said: “Heritage assets are irreplaceable and great weight should be given to their conservation.
READ MORE: New rules on setting up smaller HMOs in Bolton delayed READ MORE: Royal Bolton Hospital A&E to undergo transformation READ MORE: Bolton Council to bring in new limits on spread of HMOs “Whilst I find the proposed development would not harm the wider landscape setting of the area, it would have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the CA, resulting in a loss of significance. “It would not preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the CA. This would amount to less than substantial harm that would not be outweighed by public benefits.
” The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal..
