Shock at Burton Nurseries appeal decision

BOROUGH councillors and officers expressed their shock at the inspector’s decision on the Burton Nurseries plans.

Costs of £5,000 were involved in the appeals and legal challenge by applicants Mr and Mrs A Burslem. They were awarded the costs against the council.

Planning chief Tom Miller told the borough's planning committee: “We have to accept that sometimes we get a slightly perverse decision.”

Cllr Derek Gaskell (Lib Dem, Riverside) said that for the inspector to decide Burton Nurseries was not prominent in the Green Belt “astounds me”.

“I am shocked and surprised,” said planning chairman Cllr Mark Henesy (Lab, Groves).