The History Of The Heswall Society
The Heswall Society was formed by a group of residents on 19th November 1953.
The founder members had their first meeting at Dinglefield in Pipers Lane. During their lifetime the populations of Heswall and Gayton had mushroomed and the character and nature of the area changed.
They resolved "that a Society be formed for the object of preserving the rural amenities of Heswall and it be named The Heswall Society".
By 1955 they were objecting to the caravan site near the shore in Broad Lane and as late as 2012 the Society gave evidence at a Public Inquiry and further development of the site was halted.
In 1964 the Society considered the plans for Gayton Primary School and, recognising the need for a school, agreed that the Gayton Road site was the most satisfactory one.
The Society pressed for the purchase of The Dales and 35 acres were bought by the Council in 1972.
In 1979 the Society was instrumental in the creation of the two conservation areas in Gayton and the Lower Village. In the Lower Village the exposed sandstone walls on the converted farm buildings were as a result of the Society's pressure, resulting in a fine collection of a cluster of buildings in a classic village centre.
As part of it's commitment to the Conservation Areas, in 2004, the Society suggested the use of random sandstone (rather than sawn stone) for the new St Peter's Centre, so as to blend with the Tythe Barn and also with Elder Cottage.
However, the objection to the development of Heswall Point, opposite the new Marks & Spencers, was not upheld. The Society objected, not because it was modern, but because of what we considered was fundamentally poor design.
More recently, the Society successfully opposed the building of apartment blocks to replace large houses in Gayton; development of large gardens, also in Gayton; and a proposed bar on the corner of Telegraph Road and Downham Road. We strongly supported the redevelopment of the old Kwiksave block into a modern distinctive building "The Curve", which incorporates sandstone into it's features.
Where possible we like to see development reflect local distinctiveness. In objecting to planning applications we try to be objective and to strictly develop our comments on the basis of planning guidance - there is little to be gained by objecting, if there is no planning case. Initially we set out to present our case to the officers but if we consider they are wrongly proposing approval, we then set out our arguments to the Councillors. If an application is refused then the applicant may appeal to the planning inspectorate. We will then appear and give evidence at the Public Inquiry - this is especially important if the officers had originally recommended refusal. We believe we have been instrumental in refusals being upheld at appeal.
The founder members had their first meeting at Dinglefield in Pipers Lane. During their lifetime the populations of Heswall and Gayton had mushroomed and the character and nature of the area changed.
They resolved "that a Society be formed for the object of preserving the rural amenities of Heswall and it be named The Heswall Society".
By 1955 they were objecting to the caravan site near the shore in Broad Lane and as late as 2012 the Society gave evidence at a Public Inquiry and further development of the site was halted.
In 1964 the Society considered the plans for Gayton Primary School and, recognising the need for a school, agreed that the Gayton Road site was the most satisfactory one.
The Society pressed for the purchase of The Dales and 35 acres were bought by the Council in 1972.
In 1979 the Society was instrumental in the creation of the two conservation areas in Gayton and the Lower Village. In the Lower Village the exposed sandstone walls on the converted farm buildings were as a result of the Society's pressure, resulting in a fine collection of a cluster of buildings in a classic village centre.
As part of it's commitment to the Conservation Areas, in 2004, the Society suggested the use of random sandstone (rather than sawn stone) for the new St Peter's Centre, so as to blend with the Tythe Barn and also with Elder Cottage.
However, the objection to the development of Heswall Point, opposite the new Marks & Spencers, was not upheld. The Society objected, not because it was modern, but because of what we considered was fundamentally poor design.
More recently, the Society successfully opposed the building of apartment blocks to replace large houses in Gayton; development of large gardens, also in Gayton; and a proposed bar on the corner of Telegraph Road and Downham Road. We strongly supported the redevelopment of the old Kwiksave block into a modern distinctive building "The Curve", which incorporates sandstone into it's features.
Where possible we like to see development reflect local distinctiveness. In objecting to planning applications we try to be objective and to strictly develop our comments on the basis of planning guidance - there is little to be gained by objecting, if there is no planning case. Initially we set out to present our case to the officers but if we consider they are wrongly proposing approval, we then set out our arguments to the Councillors. If an application is refused then the applicant may appeal to the planning inspectorate. We will then appear and give evidence at the Public Inquiry - this is especially important if the officers had originally recommended refusal. We believe we have been instrumental in refusals being upheld at appeal.
