Plan for 78 houses is thrown out

PLANNING chiefs have thrown out controversial plans for 78 houses in the heart of one of the Warrington area’s smallest villages – Appleton Thorn .
The decision by the borough council’s development management committee represents a victory for local residents – more than 170 of who had lodged objections to Bloor Homes’ proposals for land east of Stretton Road.
Three years ago, Bloor Homes announced proposals for the development amid a blaze of publicity.
Several exhibitions were held to show the advantages the development would have for Appleton Thorn.  But residents were not convinced and an action group was set up to fight the scheme.
They claimed it was a greenfield site, unsuitable for development which, because of its size, would completely change the whole character of the village.
Increased traffic on already congested roads, noise and a lack of public transport were also put forward as reasons for refusal, along with damage to the environment and local heritage.