'It may look wonderful in Beverly Hills but not in Ramsbottom': Opinion divided over spectacular new home
27.04.2022 - 21:19
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Plans for a spectacularly designed four-floor split-level new home built into a hillside have been approved despite claims it was ‘a threat to a conservation area’. The house, at Tanners Street, Ramsbottom, was described by opponents as ‘one of the most contentious applications there has been for a long time’’.
One councillor claimed the design, which includes a cinema room and ‘green living walls’ was totally unsuitable for the area. They said ‘it may look wonderful in Beverly Hills but certainly not in Ramsbottom’.
Speaking in support of the plans, property agent, Richard Gee, said: “Design appreciation is subjective. I feel this is a beautiful design. It’s very much a one-off.
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“It’s bespoke to this site and tiered over four floors, nestled against a hillside. Yes it’s modern and yes it’s a new layer on the conservation area but it preserves the character.
“There’s a high quality mix of material selected for their robustness and ruggedness, which reflects Ramsbottom as an industrial Lancashire town."
That view was supported by Coun Martin Hayes. He said: “It’s an exciting project and visually very attractive. To build a pastiche of a 19th century Victorian style house wouldn’t work.
“It would not be as attractive. It would be looking back when we should be looking forward."
Objector Linda Kenny, spoke on behalf of Ramsbottom Heritage Society. She said: “We believe it is one of the most contentious applications there has been for a long time.
“It represents a huge threat to the ongoing integrity of the Ramsbottom conservation area. The applicant seems to have chosen to ignore every long-held rule and regulation governing new development on