Villagers say: We don't want any more houses

TWO consultation meetings held by developers Bloor Homes at Appleton Thorn have failed to convince villagers of any need for more houses in the area.
A packed public meeting at the village hall sent the firm a clear message: “We don’t want any more houses.”
The company wants to build 80-90 houses on land off Stretton Road, opposite the village hall.
They claim they will also include community facilities such as a play area, village green or shop and that they are open to suggestions from local residents.
An influx of young families would provide an economic boost to the village, they argue.
But residents say the development would have a devastating effect on Appleton Thorn which would cease to be a village.
In particular they are worried about the effect on existing traffic problems.
Resident Alan Murray said: “This proposed development would have a seriously detrimental effect on the village, totally changing its character from that of a small rural village to just another piece of urban sprawl.
“The village field is historically an open space, indeed for hundreds of years it was the village common. Villagers are appalled at the prospect of losing this last open space – the very heart of our village. It had been hoped that it could be a village green.
“This is one of the last open spaces. It is the focal point of our village and we don’t want to lose it.”
Another resident said: “Bloor Homes have come in with a very slick PR exercise in which they promise us everything. But they really want to build as many houses as possible on the site.”
Appleton Parish Council have yet to express a view on the proposals.
Chairman Cllr Dot Edwards (pictured) said: “We cannot object to it because they haven’t submitted a planning application yet.
“Even if they do, we will have to have proper planning reasons for objecting. We can’t just oppose it because we don’t like it.
“But it will be on our agenda for our next meeting.”
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 16.