A planning application to convert a Biddulph Moor garden into a travel lift providing disabled access to a house has been given the thumbs down by the district council.

Plans were submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council seeking permission for the "installation of a vertical travel open platform lift" at 9, Cherry Tree Lane in Biddulph Moor.

The plans, submitted by a Mrs Laura McGregor-Hamman of Millbrook Healthcare, intended to use the property's garden for the lift installation in order to provide disabled access into the house.

However, the application has been refused by the district council on the grounds that the excavation of the garden would cause disruption, and that the lift's design would be out of character with the rest of the street.

A report by the district council's planning officers noted that two letters of objection to the plans had been received.

It said: "Two comments have been received. The first felt that the installation of the lift was excessive and questioned why a ramp from the front door to the driveway would not suffice.

"The second objected to the proposal and questioned why the applicant cannot utilise the existing path and driveway in an electric wheelchair without the need for the major alterations.

"They also stated that the issues the applicant experiences in terms of obstructions to their driveway are all of their own doing. All other comments raised are not directly relevant to the determination of this application."

Biddulph Town Council on the other hand said that they were in favour of the application.

The district council's report concluded: "The proposed development will not adversely affect the amenity of neighbouring residents due to its infrequent use, low noise levels and due to the development being largely sited below existing ground levels and being small in scale.

"However, concern is raised regarding the impact of the excavation within the middle of the front garden, together with the proposed retaining walls as it will appear incongruous and out of character with the street scene.

"No information has been submitted to support the need for the proposed development, or that this is the only means of achieving access to the property for the intended user."

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