A controversial plan for 74 houses on a green field site at Appleton Thorn has been deferred by Warrington planners to allow time for more “compromise talks.”
More than 150 local residents and Appleton Parish Council opposed the development by Bloor Homes, with dozens of residents attending the development control committee to show their strength of feeling.
A previous application by the same developer, for 78 houses, was refused but officers were recommending approval of the modified scheme.
Objectors said the development would amount to high density, urban sprawl detracting from the open character of Appleton Thorn village, undermining its historic character.
They also stated there was a lack of affordable housing in the development and no supporting infrastructure.
Both the Parish Council, residents and local opposition groups voiced concern about the loss of open green space in the centre of the village which was an integral part of the Appleton Thorn Neighbourhood Plan and the concept of a village green had not been fulfilled as the proposed open green space was now a playground.
They said a village green was an essential requirement for the village and this should be incorporated into any planned development for the field.
The Parish Council also pointed out that since the original application was proposed planning permission has been granted for 370 new houses at Appleton Cross which will result in significant amount of increased traffic in the area.
Planning officers said the site was 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 was acceptable.
A total of 14 letters of support had also been received.
But after hearing arguments from both sides members of the committee voted to defer the application pending further “compromise talks.”
The green field site proposed for housing
