PROPOSALS for a new home in the borough’s green belt, said to be needed to enable a village day nursery to be certain of its future, are recommended for refusal.
The application has been made at Ashton House, Church Road, Ashton Hayes by Mr and Mrs Jack Sheppard.
The two-bedroom home would be built in the garden of the property which is adjacent to Ashton Hayes Nursery owned by the applicants , according to a report.
Mr Sheppard’s mother, who is also a director of the nursery, lives with the family.
The new build would enable her to maintain her 35 year personal and professional close ties with the community as she plays an active role in the daily running of the nursery, it is argued.
The application has been called in to the borough’s planning committee by Gowy ward councillor Eleanor Johnson (Con) who points out the nursery is ‘a major employer’ in the area.
The new property, which she supports, would allow the business to grow and be certain of its future, she believes.
The part single-story, part two-storey dwelling would have the first floor in the roof space, the report states.
Concerns about possible overdevelopment and traffic issues have been raised by Ashton Hayes Parish Council.
Two neighbours have objected to the proposed access to the house with one also referring to the height of the new build and to the change to that part of the village.
The proposed site is not within the built up area of Ashton Hayes and would be inappropriate development in the green belt, planners believe.
There is no evidence to show Mr Sheppard’s mother had to live there to enable the business to grow.
The application is to be considered at HQ in Chester on Tuesday (February 21) at 4pm.
