Detached dwelling at Butts Clough Farm 36 Carrwood, Hale Barns, Altrincham
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Trafford Planning and Development Management Committee on 9 Jul 2026.
What was proposed
The application proposed subdividing a garden to build a two-and-a-half-storey detached dwelling with landscaping, a driveway and parking.
“The new dwelling would be 2.5 storey. It would have a full width of approx. 21.8m and full depth of approx. 16.8m. It would have a crown roof with a ridge height of approx. 8.9m. The proposed property would be set within a landscaped garden with a driveway to the front. Value Added: The original proposal and a draft revised scheme were not considered acceptable in design terms. The current proposal is the third scheme, and neighbours have been renotified with this scheme.”
Officer report
Earlier planning history
Earlier permissions covered extensions, conversion of properties, further extensions and access works at the site.
“75975/FULL/2010: Conversion of existing properties from three dwellings to six dwellings including the erection of single and two storey extensions following partial demolition of existing buildings; formation of two additional vehicular access points (to Carrwood and Rossmill Lane); provision of associated hard and soft landscaping. Approve with Conditions, 28 Sep 2011.”
“78323/HHA/2012: Erection of single and two storey extensions, with basement, to form additional living accommodation and integral garage following partial demolition of existing building; external alterations including render finish to external walls. Formation of new access to Carrwood with associated gates and gateposts. Approve with Conditions, 09 Jul 2013.”
Officer report
What officers recommended
Officers recommended refusal because the dwelling’s siting, scale, mass and design would harm the rural character of Rossmill Lane.
“The proposed dwelling would provide additional housing which is given significant weight, although as the proposal is for only one dwelling this contribution is very limited. There would also be a temporary economic benefit during construction.”
“The proposed dwelling, as a result of its sitting, scale, mass and design, would fail to provide a contextual appropriate development and would introduce an incongruous, overly dominant and prominent dwelling, to the detriment of the prevailing rural character of Rossmill Lane.”
Officer report
The main planning issue
The dwelling was considered too large and visually dominant, with an unsuitable roof and architectural detailing for its rural setting.
“Whilst the proposed dwelling has been reduced in height compared to that of the original scheme, it is still considered to be excessive in scale and mass. It would appear overly dominant on site and within the context of Rossmill Lane, in particular it would be unduly overbearing when viewed alongside the adjacent former farm buildings.”
“It is asserted in the submitted Planning Statement that the character in the wider locality is mixed, with some much larger houses located nearby for example no. Carrwood and The Orchard, and the proposal takes its architectural cues from The Orchard. However, it should be noted that whilst no. Carrwood is sited adjacent to Butts Clough Farm, it is accessed from Carrwood and with its principal elevation facing onto Carrwood.”
Officer report
What people said
A member of the public suggested swift nest bricks, while a councillor supported the dwelling’s design, benefits and contribution to housing.
“The neighbouring properties were notified by letter on 17 December 2025 regarding the original proposal. 1 representation was received from a member of the public, which in summary states: - I would like to ask you to consider making installation of Swift nest bricks a planning condition to provide enhancement for biodiversity.”
Officer report
The committee vote
A motion to grant planning permission was moved and seconded but was defeated.
“It was moved and seconded that planning permission be granted.”
“The motion was put to the vote and declared lost.”
Minutes
The final decision
Planning permission was refused for reasons determined by the committee.
“RESOLVED: That planning permission be refused for the reasons now determined.”
Minutes
Sources
- Trafford Planning and Development Management Committee minutes, 9 July 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Trafford's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
Committee decisions and nationwide planning applications, in one API
The Plota API returns planning applications from every council we cover, each with its decision, whether a committee or officers decided it, and the committee date. Build it into your own tools.
See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Trafford
- Date
- Thursday 9 July 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended refusal
- Committee decided
- Refused
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Trafford committee decisions →
This committee's year
43 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 4 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.