COUNCILLORS are likely to be told that a controversial rebuild of a Grappenhall institution did break planning laws at a meeting as the Warrington Guardian went to press.

The historic Rockfield Hotel was closed and demolished in 2003.

Developers Briden Homes decided to build luxury flats on the Alexandra Road site but were told they had to be built in keeping with the other houses in the village.

Yet councillors were set to be told at a meeting of the development control committee last night, Wednesday, that not only are the windows inappropriate, but that a planning inspector has backed up that appraisal after the developers challenged a council decision.

Enforcement action could now be taken by Town Hall bosses to ensure the windows are replaced.

Councillors will be told there now could be enforcement action - either against the developers or the people who have bought the flats.

The inspector concluded: "The replacement windows are generally well designed and contribute positively to the visual quality of the area. This has been undermined by the unsatisfactory style and poor detailing of the disputed windows."

Council officers were delighted with the decision.

The report states: "Redevelopment was allowed on the specific basis that the much altered hotel was poorly suited to viable conversion and that replacement buildings could contain detailing which enhanced the character and appearance of the conservation area.

"The benefits of this development have clearly been undermined by the use of alternative window designs. As in many cases, this is a response to issues of cost and ease of construction, - neither reason to lower expectations of the planning process."

For more, read next week's Warrington Guardian.