A DECISION on whether to approve controversial plans to extend The Lymm Hotel has been delayed for the third time by councillors.

Proposals to build a new two storey building and conference facility at the Whitbarrow Road hotel came before plannning chiefs for the third time in 15 months on Wednesdy night.

Protestors turned up in large numbers to show their opposition to the scheme.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt said it would bring overdevelopment, late night noise pollution and traffic dangers to the road.

"There is such strong feeling among residents and councillors on this issue - our resolve is as strong as ever before. On a different site we would welcome this development, but it is too large for this area," she said.

But council planning experts had recommended that the new proposals be approved because of improvements to the original plans. Parking spaces had been created since the last application, and fourteen conditions had been attatched to the scheme.

The block would be soundproofed and the entrance to the function suite would now be accomodated within the main entrance. Plans for a leisure block had also been deleted.

The committee voted to defer their decision until they had revisited the site.

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