180 homes get go-ahead – despite fierce opposition

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have approved outline proposals for 180 houses at Stretton – despite fierce opposition from three parish councils and more than 70 residents.
The scheme, submitted by the Homes and Community Agency, involves land at bounded by Pewterspear Green Road and Ashford Drive.
It was opposed by the parish councils at Appleton, Stretton and Stockton Heath – mainly on the grounds of unacceptable increases in traffic on a local road network that is already heavily congested.
The development is the first of three to be submitted by the Homes and Community Agency with the others to take place at Appleton Thorn and Grappenhall Heys.
Objectors argued that the three schemes should be considered at the same time because of the implications for traffic on the road network in south Warrington. But officers told the borough council’s development management committee that only the one scheme was being considered at this time.
The    committee voted 5-3 in favour of approval, with one member abstaining.
Residents argued that too many houses were being proposed and that the development should be restricted to 150. They were concerned about increased traffic problems, the risk of accidents involving the access to Stretton Road and safety issues for pupils at St Matthews’ Primary School.
Cllr Judith Wheeler said she was concerned that the application did not address the impact 180 houses and associated traffic would have on the wider transport network.  It was worrying that it was the first of three applications which would eventually mean almost 1,000 extra properties would be built.
Cllr Brian Axcell said when the site was originally suggested for housing, 20 years ago, one could have expected one or two cars per household. Today one could expect one car per adult – which meant more than 400 vehicles would be added to an already congested road network.