Approving plans for two homes on land surrounding Bowdon Old Hall would be an act of appalling vandalism, according to a council boss.
The comment was made by Coun Daniel Bunting in response to blueprints for the redevelopment of parts of a large plot located at 49, Langham Road.
The applicant insisted the homes would be ‘well designed and sensitive to the area’.
But the council’s planning team recommended the application for refusal because the scheme would cause ‘very major harm’ and result in ‘unacceptable’ impact on the area.
The owner of the Grade II listed building, David Ryan, had been seeking permission from council chiefs to build ‘high quality’ properties on the site.
Speaking during Thursday’s meeting of Trafford council’ s planning committee, Mr Ryan urged members to support the proposals.
He said: “My wife and I want to build two fantastic contemporary homes, which we hope over time will also become listed buildings.
“The site is so large that it can accommodate a development which is well designed and sensitive to the area.”
The plans also include demolishing a number of ‘unsightly’ outbuildings, which Mr Ryan says are out of character compared to the rest of the plot.
“I’m disappointed, however, with some sections of the council’s planning report,” he added.
“In particular, the repeated use of the phrase ‘very major harm’ when referring to how the proposals impact heritage assets and the conservation area.
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“I believe this is unfair, unfortunate, serves to confuse – and could be seen as misleading.”
However, Coun Bunting disagreed and said he was ‘struggling’ to say anything positive or see anything beneficial with the application.
“I don’t think the officer’s report is misleading,” he said.
“The new buildings are far from things of beauty – unless you have a particular penchant for glass boxes.
“They are without merit in terms of design – and the idea they may become listed structures is nonsense, so the best of luck with that one.”
“I’m opposed to the application – and agree with all the comments made by the officers and their reasons for refusal,” he added.
“This would be like driving a coach and horses through planning legislation – and be an appalling act of vandalism if the plans are approved.”
Coun Karen Barclay said she had some ‘sympathy’ for the applicant.
“It’s a beautiful space – and I understand why Mr Ryan would want to build two properties there,” she said.
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“But Bowdon Old Hall is a grade II listed building situated in a conservation area – and is a jewel in our crown.
“And as much as I would like to see appropriate homes built in the area – it is crucial we act as custodians of our heritage.
“Therefore, it’s with a very heavy heart that I won’t be supporting the application either.”
Councillors Nathan Evans and Liz Patel and Aidan Williams agreed with their colleagues.
The committee voted unanimously to refuse the application.
