Residents’ fears over massive housing proposals

CONCERNED residents have distributed more than 1,500 leaflets across a wide area of Appleton and Grappenhall to flag up local worries over the proposed major housing developments planned by the Homes and Community Agency.
They fear that many local people are not aware that the deadline for objections or other representations to the 1,000-home developments is  April 10 and 11.
Land at Grappenhall Heys, Appleton Cross and Pewterspear Green has been zoned for housing since the days of the Warrington New Town, more than 20 years ago.
The HCA has already been granted permission for 180 houses at Stretton and is now seeking consent for the other areas.
The residents’ group wants to ensure that all residents in the area don’t miss out on making their voices heard and, possibly, influencing the outcome of the planning applications.
Annette Cumbo, a member of the group, said: “Between the three housing developments, around 1,000 houses are proposed which will
put pressure on the road infrastructure, traffic congestion, health services, education services, and the environment and will lead to the loss of green spaces.
“Just imagine an additional 2,000 to 3,000 cars going through Stockton Heath!
“We think this is an important issue for all residents of South Warrington, not just the people who live adjacent to the proposed housing developments.
“We just want to try and ensure that people are aware of the planning applications and that they have the chance to have their say before it is too late.”
Councillors from the Stockton Heath, Appleton and Grappenhall areas have been warning of the traffic implications of the developments for some time.
There was massive opposition to the Stretton proposals – with three parish councils, more than 70 residents and local borough councillors all opposing it. But planning chiefs gave the scheme the go-ahead.