150 objections to green field housing plan

CONTROVERSIAL plans for 74 houses on a green field site at Appleton Thorn are to be put to councillors at Warrington on Wednesday.
More than 150 local residents have lodged objections to the scheme and Appleton Parish Council is also opposed to the development by Bloor Homes.
But 14 letters of support have also been received, members of the borough’s development management committee will be told.
An earlier proposal by the same developer, for 78 houses, was turned down some time ago but officers are recommending the new scheme be approved.
Objectors say the development would amount to high density, urban sprawl detracting from the open character of Appleton Thorn village and undermining its historic character
They also claim there is a lack of affordable housing in the development.
The parish council highlights the loss of open green space in the centre of the village – space that could be used as a village green. They also point out that permission has been granted for 370 houses at Appleton Cross which will result in a significant increase in traffic on roads already inadequate for the amount of traffic using them.
Planning officers say the site is not in a particularly sustainable location, but the applicant has agreed to contribute to the cost of public transport improvements and bus shelters. Given this, they believe the principle of residential development is acceptable.