Residents lose green land battle

BUILDERS have been given the go-ahead for 10 detached houses on “green” land at Warrington – despite objections from 180 nearby residents and local councillors.
The borough council’s development management gave the green light for the scheme put forward by David Wilson Homes on land adjacent to Riversdale, Woolston.
Objectors described the site as the last piece of greenfield land in Woolston.
Cllr Bill Brinksman said it was the last bit of rural open land in and area that was once open fields.
He claimed bats were active on the site and existing residents would have their lifestyle affected by noise, dust, vibration and heavy vehicle movements. More traffic movements would be generated in an area that was already congested at peak times.
Woolston Parish Council cited reports of bats, badgers, foxes and other wildlife on the site. They had serious concerns about the impact of additional traffic on the junction with Manchester Road.
The council was also concerned about the implications of a recent collapse of the Mersey river bank adjacent to the site.
Nearby residents were angry about the loss of wildlife habitat, possible flooding risks, increased traffic and the loss of trees and privacy.
The committee was told the Environment Agency had no objections and were satisfied the site would be flood resistant. The scheme would not put people at risk from flooding, nor create flood risks elsewhere
Officers recommended the scheme be approved – and pointed out the developer had agreed to provide £80,000 for the provision of affordable homes elsewhere in the borough.
The Woolston development will consist of 10 detached houses in an L-shaped cul-de-sac. There would be eight, two-storey four bedroomed houses and two three-storey five-bedroomed houses. All would have detached garage space.