TWO rows of terraced housing will not be built in Weaverham’s conservation area after councillors refused permission.

Applicant Omega North West had submitted plans for 10 houses in two terrace blocks of five at land off High Street, behind an existing barn and farmhouse.

Planning officers for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) had recommended the plans for approval, suggesting that the proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the appearance of the conservation area, on highway safety or on the neighbours.

Richard Drinkwater, from Omega North West, said: “The report states that the development will preserve and enhance the character of Weaverham Conservation Area.

“The existing farmhouse and barn will remain and views from High Street will remain virtually unaffected.

“Secondly the report makes clear that the development doesn’t have an impact on neighbourhood amenity.”

Clr Eveleigh Moore Dutton, a member of CWAC’s planning committee who argued that the plans should be approved, said: “When I looked at the site it looked like the kind of place that couldn’t carry on as it was, therefore finding the best alternative use for it is essential.

“It looks to me very much like a farm that has been deprived of its land, it’s an island that’s lost its purpose and I think residential is probably better than commercial on that site.”

Clr John Grimshaw, also on the planning committee, argued against the proposal.

He said: “The point has already been made that the view into the site from the road will predominantly see the restored barn.

“My worry is the design of what’s behind it.

“I cannot see much merit in the designs I have seen of the two terraces.

“The fact that you can’t see them shouldn’t have any bearing on the case.

“I would like to see a much more sympathetic design which relates to the agricultural setting.”

The committee voted against the plans on the grounds of the design and the impact on the conservation area.