CHESTER has largely avoided a form of development that has ruined neighbourhoods in other parts of the country.
That is the view of development chief Andy Farrall, who says Chester has largely avoided a trend which has seen houses and flats built in back gardens, adding developments have increased housing density.
But Mr Farrall says the moratorium brought into control housing supply locally means the trend had a limited impact on Chester and he hopes that when it is eventually lifted it will be done in such a way as to avoid the problem.
He said: 'It can increase density, decreases open space and changes the character of an area. You get it on radial roads coming into a town where you have a big villa in its own grounds.'
Mr Farrall said there were few isolated examples in Chester, such as in Hough Green. There is little to stop developers doing this because gardens count as brownfield sites; previously developed land suitable for high-density housing.
Mr Farrall said: 'We brought in a housing moratorium. The government asked us to control the housing supply. Members of the council brought in, as part of the policy, a section which talks about restricting development in rear gardens.'
Mr Farrall said the aim was to maintain this aspect of the policy even when the general moratorium was lifted but was uncertain about whether this would stand up legally.
'Cllr Jim Latham, the portfolio holder for development, is very keen to avoid that kind of over-development,' he added.
Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark is asking for private gardens to no longer be classified as 'brownfield sites'.
Mr Clark's Protection of Private Gardens Bill would stop gardens being developed so easily.
He said the loss of the 'green lungs of our towns and cities is very serious'. david.holmes @cheshirenews.co.uk
