Homes plan for Goostrey timber yard are opposed

Mr R Challinor is seeking approval for two detached, four-bedroom houses on land in Church Bank, Goostrey, which is used as an established timber yard in connection with Mr Challinor’s business.

Timber-framed commercial buildings would be removed to make way for the houses.

The parish council is supporting the observatory’s opposition to the scheme because of its impact on the operation of the radio telescopes, and residents are calling for one house to be built rather than two.

A resident said this would reduce the impact on unstable ground, and was concerned about the risk of flooding from disruption to surface water sewers on the site.

A report with the application said the houses would be two-storey style properties in line with homes in the area, and materials would also be similar.

The report said: “The site is an existing brownfield site, and its redevelopment will help enhance and improve this historic area of Goostrey.

“As an infill site close to Goostrey the site is considered to be sustainable for housing development.

A plan of the proposed houses

“The redevelopment of this site for two properties will help enhance and improved the character and appearance of this historic area of Goostrey.”

A Church Bank resident said surface water sewers on the site carried a large volume of water all year round into the stream at the bottom of Church Bank via a large bore channel and pipe system.

The resident said: “Any disruption to these during development when laying foundations, such as pipe blockage by building-related debris/soil or physical disruption of the pipes and drainage channels, carries a serious risk of flooding for The Old Yard House, Bridge Cottage and Brookside Cottage, whose land the pipe runs through.

“Since the land is sandy and contains underground springs, impact on the drainage when laying foundations must be kept to a minimum.

“One dwelling rather than two would be preferable to reduce the impact on this unstable ground and to ensure the development is in keeping with the well-spaced houses on Church Bank.”

Another resident said one house on the site would be preferable to the two proposed.

They said: “The area is riddled with natural springs. A thorough investigation of the site would be needed, and controls put in place to protect adjacent lower properties.”

Goostrey Parish Council objects to the application because Jodrell Bank said it would impair the efficiency of the radio telescopes, and the plan therefore conflicted with Goostrey Neighbourhood Plan policies.

Jodrell Bank Observatory opposes development in principle across a major part of its consultation zone to protect the efficiency of the radio telescope’s ability to receive radio emissions from space with a minimum of interference from electrical equipment.