Council puts immediate stop to unpermitted demolition of 200-year-old cottage

WORK has been stopped to demolish a 200-year-old cottage after it was undertaken without planning permission.

An investigation has also been launched after residents reported activity at Weavers Cottage, number 13 Wigshaw Lane in Culcheth.

The home was sold, having been listed on the property market for £425,000 in September last year, with the listing describing the ‘approximately 200-year-old’ property as being ‘full of character and charm’.

Subsequent planning applications state that the two-storey whitewashed detached home predates 1897, according to available council mapping information.

Cllr Cheyvonne Bower said: “A resident contacted me on Tuesday night devastated with concern to see that Weavers Cottage on Wigshaw Lane was being demolished.

“I saw that the cottage owner had been refused permission for work on the property and certainly had no reason to be demolishing it.

“I contacted Warrington Borough Council’s planning and building control which agreed to send a representative to the site.

Residents reported work to demolish the property in Culcheth. Pictures: Cllr Cheyvonne Bower

“The property owner has now been asked to stop work and make the property watertight while the situation is assessed.”

A spokesman for Warrington Borough Council also confirmed the situation.

They said: “The council’s building control service visited the property yesterday and has instructed the developer to stop, as the necessary approvals have not been granted.

“There is no planning consent in place for the works. An investigation is underway.”

Plans were first submitted in November 2023 for a proposed two-storey rear extension, new raised roof, porch extension, canopy extension and remodelling.

The proposal would have replaced the existing porch with a new, larger entrance porch and canopy, and replaced windows to create a ‘more standardised appearance’.

But this was refused permission by the council due to an ‘unacceptable impact upon residential amenity due to the lack of sufficient interface distances being retained to the residential property to the south of the site on Thompson Avenue’.

Residents reported work to demolish the property in Culcheth. Pictures: Cllr Cheyvonne Bower

The proposal was resubmitted in March this year, with a council officer report stating: “Very little of the original structure would remain, and the proposal would almost be better described as a replacement dwelling.”

This application was again refused permission, with planners stating that, ‘by virtue of its size, scale and design, it would not be sympathetic to and would have a detrimental impact upon the character of the existing dwelling and surrounding area’.

Cllr Bower added: “Preserving historical buildings is essential for maintaining the cultural and architectural heritage of a community.

“These structures serve as tangible connections to our past, offering insights into historical events, architectural styles, and societal values of previous eras. They provide a sense of continuity and belonging for residents.

“Equally important is the adherence to planning guidelines by residents.

“Following planning guidelines helps maintain safety standards, promotes sustainable development, and prevents haphazard construction that could undermine the historical and cultural value of the area.

“As both a local historian and as a parish councillor I felt the need to take action to try and save the property, even at this late stage.”