Welfare of rare protected Great Crested Newts raised in Duddon

Apr 29 2010 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

COMMENTS about the welfare of protected Great Crested Newts were raised when plans were put forward for extensions at the rear of adjoining properties.

The new build was proposed at the rear of 27 and 29 Greenacres in Duddon by Mr Briscoe and Ms Barnett at no 27 and Mr and Mrs Wilson at no 29.

Their original plans provided for a joint roof with a ridge height of 4m but planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council pointed out that if only one of the extensions was built, there would be an unacceptably detrimental effect on the other neighbour. Amended plans were then put forward for separate roofs with a reduced height for each extension.

No objections were raised by Duddon Parish Council but biodiversity officers and occupiers at no 25, who had no objection, commented about the welfare of Great Crested Newts in the area.

Recommending the applications should be approved, planning officers said the extensions would not be out keeping and would not be unacceptably detrimental to the amenities of the adjoining properties.

The council agreed both applications could have permission.