Residents Propose Sheep Museum at Landowner’s Mansion in Response to Housing Development

Residents in Cheshire, expressing discontent over proposals for 500 new homes in their village, have submitted an application to convert the London mansion of the landowner into a sheep museum. Individuals residing in Halebank, Widnes, stated that insufficient consultation regarding the development plans affecting their community led them to file a change-of-use application with Westminster Council. This application seeks to convert the residence of affluent socialite Catherine Hesketh into a heritage center for rare-breed animals. Friends of Halebank spokesman Terry Colquitt said: “It’s a shame that it has come to this, but maybe [Ms Hesketh] will now understand what it’s like for someone living 200 miles away to submit a planning application that could dramatically change the place you call home.” A representative for Catherine Hesketh’s estate chose not to provide a statement. The contentious proposals for constructing the homes received narrow approval from the local planning committee earlier this year. Parish councillor John Anderton, who is part of the Friends of Halebank campaign group, indicated that the community does not object to new housing intended to address local requirements. However, he noted that the current plans would expand the village to twice its current size, despite its constrained infrastructure and inadequate road connectivity. He further stated, “The community has reached out to Catherine Hesketh and the family for dialogue to see whether we can find a reasonable and mutually-agreeable compromise – but we have been completely ignored.” The application submitted by the Halebank group to Westminster Council details that the envisioned sheep museum would serve as “a captivating celebration of our ovine brothers and sisters,” featuring a pen for shearing demonstrations and a sheep statue on the rooftop. Campaigners acknowledged that the application to convert the four-storey town house, situated near London’s Hyde Park, is improbable to be approved. Nevertheless, they stated it was pursued with the aim of initiating discussions with developers. It is permissible to submit an application for planning permission for land that is not owned by the applicant. The group asserted that their choice to propose plans for a rare breed sheep heritage center underscores the “devastating effect” that the forthcoming development would impose on local farming enterprises. Sandra Lawson, who breeds rare-breed sheep on a smallholding destined to be entirely encircled by the new housing development, commented: “This development will make it impossible for me to carry on my business.” She added, “But it is also taking out an enormous chunk of the last bit of open countryside on this side of the Mersey Estuary.” A spokesperson for Harworth Group development company, the firm slated to construct the residences, stated that the location is expected to provide essential affordable homes and employment opportunities. Details on accessing content from BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and following BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram are provided. Story ideas can also be sent to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Copyright for this content is held by BBC, 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material found on external websites. Further details on the approach to external linking are available.