Councillors defer decision on housing plan for Little Neston reservoir

Nov 12 2008 By Lorna Hughes

COUNCILLORS have deferred a decision on plans which could see an historic brick and sandstone covered reservoir dating back to the 19th century redeveloped for housing.

The 12 homes are proposed by United Utilities, which is seeking outline approval for the project at the Lees Lane Waterworks, Lees Lane, Little Neston.

Ellesmere Port and Neston Council's planning committee last night (Tuesday) decided to visit the site to see for itself the impact the homes would have on the area.

Residents have told the borough council they are concerned about the demolition of the reservoir, which is said to appear on maps dating back to 1880 - although one occupier claims it may be as old as 1866.

English Heritage is dealing with an application to include the reservoir on a list of buildings of architectural and historic importance, according to a report, although the conservationists have not asked for the application to be stopped.

It describes the sandstone columns and brick arches in the vaulted roof reservoir as interesting but points out they cannot be seen from any public viewpoint.

A former pump house at the reservoir, which contains a borehole, is not thought to be of any great historical or architectural merit although it is to be retained.

Councillors have heard that United Utilities has spent £10,000 tidying up the building and improving its appearance and on boarding up the windows to prevent further vandalism.

Following demolition, 10 two storey, two bedroom semis and two three bed detached dwellings with parking for 18 cars are proposed.

No objections have been raised by Neston Civic Society.

Neighbours have sent in nine objections arguing the development would be out of character and raising concerns about its height, damage to trees, overshadowing, overlooking and loss of privacy.

They have asked for the houses to be bungalows or dormer bungalows instead of two storey dwellings.

If approved, United Utilities would pay £13,385 to improve a children's play park adjacent to Woodfall Lane school in Little Neston and £8,000 towards upgrading local bus stops

The application was recommended for approval.

Laurie Lane, who attended the meeting on behalf of United Utilities, told councillors the site was suitable for residential use as there were shops and other services in reasonable walking distance.

He added: "It is an excellent opportunity for development."

For United Utilities, Mr Laurie Lane told councillors the site was suitable for residential use as there were shops and other services in reasonable walking distance.

"It is an excellent opportunity for development," he suggested.

Mr Laurie said he believed that two storey dwellings would reflect existing properties in the area.

Little Neston Cllr Scott Maelor (Con) referred to the volume of correspondence which councillors had received and requested a site visit.

He said the reservoir could be listed "as an important piece of Victorian civil engineering".

Fellow Little Neston Cllr Michael Clarkson (Lab) also supported a site visit.

He said: "There are considerable reservations and we have had a number of objections. A site visit would indicate to residents that councilors were well aware of the site."