I WISH to make a comment about Planning Application No. 94113/15; how dare Jones’ Homes apply to have the planning application changed again.

I hope the planning committee, which allowed the application to develop the Smithills site in the first place, will not allow any further degrading of this historic site.

The Coaching House (or Stables as it was) is a listed building. Why has the council allowed Jones’ Homes to cut holes in the fabric of the building? This building was never designed to have patio windows but that’s what has been installed. Who allowed this and who sanctioned it? I will be contacting both English Heritage and the National Trust over this issue.

If Jones’ Homes couldn’t do a proper costing before they purchased the site then that is their problem. They imply that unless they get this change to the development they will lose £241,965. That is a very precise figure but they cannot tell you what the asking price of these properties will be.

This is a travesty; the estate is damaged and Smithills Hall itself it is made a mockery of. Remember this is green belt.

The request to make these properties into three storeys is ridiculous. Let’s look at Smithills Hall itself; Cliff Morris describes it as ‘the jewel in the crown’. It is a Grade 1 listed building but I’m surprised it is still standing. The gate leading through to the gardens is a health and safety issue. It’s been in disrepair for several months despite the Hall staff having been told about it. There are bits falling off the Hall; there are over 12 broken windows but nothing is being repaired.

I have been proud to be associated with Smithills Hall and the Estate; the trust of which I was chairman did an excellent job and I would suggest a far better job looking after it then our councillors. I am really sorry to see this fine building being treated with such contempt.

Ian Greenhalgh

Bolton