Westby and Indigo win green belt appeal

BOLTON-based Westby Homes has received planning permission on appeal from the government to replace the Rhinewood Country House Hotel in Glazebrook, Cheshire,with a 36 unit residential scheme in the green belt.

The new development will deliver 27 new houses and nine apartments with parking and a children’s playground in the village.

The site lies within the green belt and will involve the demolition of the current hotel, plus the construction of a new footpath along part of Glazebrook Road.

The development is designed to reflect the character of the local area and picks up on features such as the arched windows of the Grade II Listed Glazebrook train station, which is directly opposite.

Steven Carnes of Westby Homes said: “The redevelopment of this brownfield site will provide high quality homes and apartments to a small village that is in great need of more housing, which in turn will support local businesses.

“We have already received strong interest in the development from prospective purchasers and a number of residents looking to relocate from Hollins Green”.

Nick Fillingham, associate director of Indigo Planning, which represented Westby,  added: “The site is situated within the green belt, and the Inspector agreed with our assertion that the proposed scheme accords with National Planning Policy, which supports the redevelopment of sustainable brownfield sites in green belt locations.

“Westby Homes is keen to start construction and we look forward to watching the development come to fruition over the coming year.”  

The new homes will be built in two phases, with the first being ready for occupancy in June 2016.

Fabrik Landscape Architects advised Westby Homes in respect of landscaping and the visual impacts of the development.