Tarporley development next to listed building to be debated

The plans would see a detached home built next to 16 Northgate — an 18th century cottage — in Utkinton.

However, ward Cllr Eveleigh Moore-Dutton has called in the scheme ‘due to the divisive design in the context of the listed cottage’, meaning the bid will be discussed by CWAC’s planning committee on February 2.

Despite concerns over design, CWAC’s planning officers have recommended the scheme be approved.

In a pre-meeting report, planners write: “Overall, it is considered that the development takes account of the site features and responds positively in a way which integrates well with its surroundings and respects the setting of the neighbouring Listed Building.

How the development would appear from the front

“A more traditional domestic design would have likely resulted in a more visually dominant form of development and in contrast it is considered that the responsive form of design will add to the distinctiveness of Utkinton in a way which is not overtly prominent in the landscape setting.

“It is considered that having special regard to the desirability of preserving the listed building, its setting and its features of special interest, the proposed development would result in no material harm to the setting of the listed building or its significance as a heritage asset.”

Support for the application also comes from Utkinton and Cotebrook Parish Council, which voted 6:2 in favour of lending it weight behind the bid at a July 2020 meeting.

However, other residents on Northgate have raised objected to the plans, citing concerns over design, its setting next to the listed building, light pollution, and visual landscape amenity.