Tears as plans get green light

4:42pm Tuesday 24th June 2008

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THERE were tears all round when plans to build a children's respite home were given the go-ahead last week.

Planning officers had recommended the application by The Joshua Tree to build the retreat on land off Dalefords Lane in Sandiway be turned down because of its possible impact on the surrounding countryside.

But supporters of the charity, including Leftwich and Kingsmead borough councillor Helen Burder, made heart-felt representations to the planning committee last Tuesday and emerged victorious.

Clr Burder said: "At the end of the day it's an ideal opportunity for Vale Royal to leave a good legacy behind for many years to come.

"I feel very strongly about the work of the Joshua Tree and I feel the home would be more of an advantage to the countryside than a disadvantage."

Charity founder Lynda Hill said she was overjoyed with the result.

"It's just wonderful and a huge relief," she said. "We've been working towards this point for two years and now we can continue to move forwards."

She added: "Next on the agenda is to start applying for grants and to arrange the purchase of the land. Of course, there are still planning conditions that also need to be discussed."

A further £6,000 is needed to help build the facility Lynda and her husband David, of Redgate, started raising money for after their son Joshua was diagnosed with leukaemia in September 2004.

Their own experiences inspired them to set up the holiday home to provide families with critically sick children with a space to relax.

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