I WOULD like to address the main allegations Mr Barnes makes in his letter (SAM February 3) made about the planning application for the John Wallwork premises in Altrincham.

Consultation - Your readers should know that the Council carried out extensive consultations on this proposal, some specifically at the request of the Residents Committee.

Members of the public also had an opportunity to address the Committee before a decision was taken.

The Committee fully considered all the relevant planning facts and neighbour objections in reaching their decisions.

Safety - The Local Highways Authority and the police did not raise objections to the proposed new access on safety grounds.

It is the case that the fewer the entry points, the less the opportunity for vehicle conflict.

The police also stress that current accident statistics do not particularly indicate that there has been a problem in the area around the garage.

Design - The Committee's view is that the propsed scheme passes the test of preserving or enhancing the character of the conservation area.

The building is faced with brick and glass and has a limited area of metal cladding - it cannot reasonably be described as a 'tin shed'.

Landscaping - Four pockets of landscaping will replace those removed in the new development while the landscaping in the front will be kept and supplemented with new planting across one of the entry points which is to be closed.

Cllr Bill Clarke, Cabinet Member for Planning.

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