PEOPLE across south Warrington are being urged to turn up in force at a meeting of the borough council’s development management committee next week.
A group of campaigners and local councillors want the support of residents in opposing plans for a total of 770 houses in Grappenhall Heys and at Appleton Cross.
The proposals, put forward by the Homes and Communities Agency, are for 400 properties at Grappenhall Heys and 370 at Appleton Cross.
Planning officers are recommending the schemes be approved by the committee next Wednesday – but the campaigners say there are major issues which need to be settled before the development can go ahead.
Cllr Ryan Bate, who represents the ward in which both applications are located, said: “These are two hugely important applications and local people rightly have many concerns about them.
“Highways, school places, health provision and protecting green spaces are just some of the major issues which we feel haven’t been done justice by planning officers’ recommendations to approve the applications”.
The campaign group, made up mainly of local residents, hope that the speakers on the night and the support of concerned residents may bring about a rethink.
Greater commitments on transport infrastructure and provision of public services top their list of concerns. More than 300 objections have been received for each application.
Local resident Annette Cumbo said: “All we want is to be listened to.
“It seems too much like a done deal but there are serious questions which we would like to be answered. A good turn out from residents will give more weight to our shared concerns.”
The proposals are opposed by Appleton Parish Council, Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council, Stockton Heath Parish Council and Lymm Parish Council.
Around 400 individual residents have also objected.
All are concerned about the impact of up to 3,000 additional cars on the already badly congested road network in south Warrington.
An earlier Home and Communities Agency application for housing at Stretton has already been approved and there are also proposals for new housing at Appleton Thorn.
