Wirral councillors ordered back to ‘planning school’ after houses were built too close to a man’s home

Jun 9 2009 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Mr Gladman was also paid £250 for “the time and trouble” he spent pursuing his complaint, which took three years.

Initially, the council claimed the new properties were 36 metres from Mr Gladman’s home – but when the distance was measured, it was discovered they were just 18 metres away.

Mr Gladman said he did not object to the original planning application, and even started taking pictures of the development, which he planned to give to people who bought the houses.

He said: “Then I thought they were building them a bit close, but when I contacted the council, they said there was nothing I could do.”

Current planning committee chairman David Elderton said: “This pre-dates the period when I became chairman.

“Officers should have identified the separation distances but said they were adequate, and it was on this basis the then-chairman ruled.

“I have always taken up the issue of separation distances because it affects people greatly and can be a major problem.

“It was the basis on which a bar in West Kirby was refused and also the medical centre in Heswall.

“One can only regret that this one went haywire, and I am confident we are far more aggressive now.

“I am all in favour in training for people.”