CAMPAIGNERS look likely to win their long battle to save an aristocratic village mansion from being converted into luxury apartments.
Residents of Tarporley are due another victory in their fight to preserve the Arderne Estate House from redevelopment.
It emerged yesterday that Vale Royal Borough Council's planning committee has been urged to refuse plans to convert the property into 10 three-storey flats, which would have a £400,000 price-tag.
If planners accept the recommendation when they meet next Tuesday, it will be the second time villagers have succeeded in defeating applications put forward by Greater Manchester-based developer Roland Bardsley Homes.
The company was defeated last year after it launched a bid to convert the property into 10 terraced homes and a number of apartments.
It was forced to withdraw its application following pressure from residents, parish councillors and Eddis-bury MP Stephen O'Brien.
After consulting planning chiefs, the company lodged another application this year.
The campaign against both developments has been led by John Warrington, of Foxhill Court, Tarporley.
He has always said the demolition of the estate house would lead to a loss of wildlife, cause undue traffic trouble and exacerbate parking problems.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Warrington said: 'This is really good news. If the committee refuses the application, this will be the second time villagers have defeated plans put forward by the developers.
'It seems the application has been recommended for refusal due to the traffic problems it may create.
'I really must thank The Chronicle for helping to publicise the efforts of the villagers and the intervention of Eddisbury MP Stephen O'Brien, who made sure Vale Royal followed proper planning guidelines.
'If this application is refused next week, the developers will have to make a drastic change if they want their development to succeed.'
In its heyday in the 1920s, Arderne Estate and Arderne Hall shared the same prestige as the Cholmondeley Estate.
The property, formerly known as Cobblers Cross House, was built for Lady Grisell in 1925, the daughter of George, 11th Earl of Haddington, and the Hon Henrietta Arderne, owners of the Arderne Estate.
Though Arderne Hall was demolished in the 1950s, the estate house has passed through many hands. Its last resident was county councillor Andrew Needham, who has since sold the house to a relative.
The house is regarded as an important holding due to its large grounds.
Villagers are not against development in principle, but would rather see the Arderne Estate House restored and sold on.
Members of Tarporley Parish Council opposed both applications put forward by Roland Bardsley Homes, saying neither did anything to aid their desire for affordable homes in the village.
