Disabled access agreed at University of Chester hall of residence

Aug 5 2010 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

DISABLED access ramps had approval at a student hall of residence.

The application was put forward at The DeBunsen Hall, 40 Hough Green, Chester by the University of Chester.

The detached Victorian property fronting Hough Green was previously the city’s youth hostel.

Planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council were told one ramp would lead to a veranda at the front of the property and the other would extend round to the rear to meet patio doors.

Access officers had initial concerns but confirmed the ramps would comply with the legislation and supported the scheme.

Conservation specialists suggested there would be serious harm to the character and appearance of the area but did not specify which ramp caused them that concern.

Planners said 2m high fencing prevented any view of the ramp to the rear of the property from public vantage points and the surrounding conservation area. They believed that even if the fencing was removed, the ramp would not be prominent.

They accepted the ramp to the veranda at the front would be visible but suggested it would not be out of keeping.

The council agreed the ramps could have permission.