Three self-build homes at 1 Light Oaks Road, Culcheth And Glazebury, Warrington

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Warrington Development Management Committee on 23 Apr 2026.

2026/00114/FULApproved

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing bungalow and building one four-bedroom dormer bungalow and two detached three-bedroom homes.

“2026/00114/FUL Description of Development: Demolition of existing bungalow and provision of the phased delivery of the erection of 3 no. self-build residences comprising of 1 no. new 4-bed dormer bungalow and 2 no. detached 3-bed self-build dwellings, including new landscaping and parking arrangements…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a residential plot beside Warrington Road and Light Oaks Road, with the Glaze Brook along its eastern boundary and some flood risk.

“The property sits within a plot of 2,352 square metres, located on the junction of Warrington Road (A574), which lies to the west, and Light Oaks Road, which lies to the south. Light Oaks Road, an unadopted, private road, from which the existing property is accessed. This private road is also a designated Public Right of Way and leads onto the Glazebrook Trail path and countryside to the east of the site.”

“The surrounding area is residential. The northern boundary to the application site is shared with a pair of semi-detached properties set close to Warrington Road (no. 231 & 233 Warrington Road), and part of the rear garden area of no. Warrington Road, which wraps around the rear of nos. 231 and 233.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A similar self-build proposal was refused in December 2025, while a 1987 application for a single-storey extension was approved.

“Planning Ref: 2025/01453/FUL Description of Development: Self-Build: Construction of 1 new bungalow and 2 detached self-build properties including landscaping and parking and creation of new access. Decision: Refused Date of Decision: 30/12/2025 Planning Ref: 87/20368 Description of Development: Erection of a single storey extension. Decision: Approved Date of Decision: 21/8/1987”

“In the absence of a Noise Assessment for the application, the proposed development fails to demonstrate that appropriate mitigation measures can be implemented to prevent adverse impacts on health and quality of life for future occupants which would otherwise arise due to the noise impacts from the adjacent A574 Warrington Road. • The proposal fails to demonstrate that safe and suitable vehicular access can be achieved for the proposed development.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the principle, design, living conditions, highways, flood risk and ecological effects were acceptable with safeguards.

“The principle of the sub-division of the site of this existing residential property in this ‘Inset’ settlement in the Green Belt is supported in principle under the Local Plan and Design Guide SPD. The resulting plot sizes for the proposed new dwellings and the scale and design of the new dwellings is considered acceptable.”

“The development should not result in any unacceptable impacts on the amenity of existing neighbouring occupiers. The impacts on the local highway network are considered acceptable, and it has been demonstrated that potential flood risk and ecological impacts on the Glaze Brook can be mitigated.”

Officer report

What people said

Residents, ward councillors and the parish council raised concerns about design, drainage, highways, noise, ecology and overdevelopment, while four representations supported it.

“The development would have a detrimental impact on the character of the street scene. • Replacement of a healthy hedgerow with a brick wall is not equitable environmentally or historically with the area. • Concerns are raised regarding drainage to the properties. • Concerns are raised in relation to the impact on the River Glaze from pollution caused by building work.”

“Design and character of the area - The scale, massing, and design of the development are not in keeping with the character of the surrounding area. The proposal would appear visually intrusive and out of character with the existing built form and landscape. • Environmental and Ecological Impact - The Council is concerned about the potential impact on biodiversity, including replacing an existing hedgerow with a wall.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Transport, environmental protection, urban design, flood, Environment Agency and ecology consultees raised no objections subject to specified measures, while the tree officer sought stronger landscaping safeguards.

“Warrington BC Tree & Woodland Officer – The application is not supported from an arboricultural perspective unless a robust and detailed replacement landscaping scheme is submitted that demonstrates appropriate mitigation for the loss of the higher-quality trees on the site and confirms retention and reinforcement of boundary hedgerows. An updated tree/hedgerow protection plan and the submission of a detailed replacement landscaping scheme will be required.”

“Warrington BC as Lead Local Flood Authority – No objection. The proposed surface water drainage strategy (section 4.4) within the flood risk assessment provided is acceptable to the LLFA, subject to consultation with the Environment Agency due to the proximity of the Glaze Brook.”

Officer report

What members considered

Members noted the report and update note, and heard representations both supporting and opposing the application.

“Members noted the content of the report and the update note.”

“Representations were heard in favour of and against the application.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee approved the application with conditions in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“The application was approved with conditions as per officer recommendation.”

Minutes

Sources

  • Warrington Development Management Committee minutes, 23 April 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Warrington's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Warrington
Date
Thursday 23 April 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

36 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 1 against officer advice.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →