12:10pm Friday 19th March 2010
HARTFORD residents say they have been misled about the size of the new church hall.
The construction is being described as a ‘blight on the area’ by Hartford Civic Society, and many residents are up in arms about the building, which has been accused of ‘splitting the village in half’.
Planning authorities approved the plans last year after a long consultation period.
Rev Mike Smith, from St John’s Church, said it had consulted with church users and local residents and only one person had made a written objection.
But since the metal frame of the building was erected, there has been widespread consternation.
The Hartford Civic Society had members present at the planning committee and at the time, unanimously approved it.
But Dr John Swaffield, secretary of the society, said he believed all parties had been misled regarding the height of the building.
Pat Hadfield, the society’s publicity officer, said the metal structure had shocked everybody.
One resident, who lives nearby on Beech Grove, described the building as a blot on the landscape and accused it of being two metres higher than it should be.
In February, a website – lovethyneighbour.org.uk – was set-up with an online poll that asked residents if they loved or loathed the building.
But the poll was closed on February 25, after being hijacked by people voting hundreds of times in favour of the construction, despite the majority of comments being against it.
The website claims people were misinformed at a church meeting when they were told the building would be marginally higher than the old church hall.
“Because the building is so tall, the beautiful view from School Lane is in the process of being obliterated for ever, and the view from the centre of Hartford towards Northwich now encompasses something that looks very much like a warehouse,” the website said.
Rev Smith has said he would be happy to talk to anyone who had concerns about the building.
A spokesman for Hartford Parish Council said: “The parish council regrets the distress and concern felt by many residents, especially those on School Lane, and are equally disappointed that the planning process, of which the parish council is a consultee, and the public presentation to the community, failed to convey the impact of the new church hall.
“The council believes the absence of objection from both the community and the council was influenced by a desire to remove the existing eyesore, and by artist’s impressions, which did not show how the hall fitted into the neighbouring area – a lesson to be learned by all.
“The hope is when it is completed, it will at least look more attractive than it does now.
“The church is aware of the concerns but it is hoped it is sincere in its desire to involve all villagers in what will be a community facility.”
l What do you think of Hartford’s new church hall? Go online and comment or contact jessica.bell@ guardiangrp.co.uk
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