A RETROSPECTIVE application for a change of use from residential to motor car sales led to objections from parish councillors.

The application was made by Ian Carter at The Grange, Coalpit Lane, Mollington. The land and buildings are at the rear of The Grange which is a large detached house reached by a long driveway from Coalpit Lane, according to a report. It is set in open countryside in the Green Belt.

Mr Carter told planning officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council the business operates by appointment only. A maximum of 25 vehicles would be involved.

Although the application was opposed by parish councillors, neighbours who were consulted put forward both objections and support for the business.

The land has a long planning history dating back to 1964 when green houses had approval, says the report. There has been no farming or commercial use since 1997, planners believe.

Mr Carter’s proposal involved separating the area used for car sales from the property, they explained.

Planners argued this was not normally appropriate in the Green Belt as it was an unacceptable encroachment into the countryside.

They recommended the application should be rejected as it would cause unacceptable harm to the openness of that part of the Green Belt.

The council agreed that permission should be refused.