PLANS to build up to 600 homes on land at Stretton, Warrington, are worrying local councillors.
Stockton Heath Parish Council is particularly concerned about the traffic implications of the development proposed by Wallace Land Investments for land near Junction 10 of the M56.
The developers say the homes – 30 per cent of which would be “affordable” – would have the benefit of easy access to the shops and social amenities of Stockton Heath.
But the parish council believes the proposals would have a substantial impact on the “easy access” to Stockton Heath, where roads are already at capacity.
The 600 homes are in addition to a recently approved planning application by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for 180 homes at Pewterspear Green, Stretton, proposals by Bloor Homes for around 90 homes at Appleton Thorn,and HCA applications currently under consideration for 400 homes at Grappenhall Heyes and 370 homes at Appleton.
Of particular concern is the anticipated volume of vehicles which these developments will introduce to roads in Stockton Heath that are already at capacity – the A49 London Road northbound towards and beyond Stockton Heath Centre; the A56 route, Chester Road at the junction with Lumb Brook Road and the major crossroads for the north-south, east-west routes at London Road/Walton Road.
In addition, these routes to the north of Warrington will form part of a link to the housing developments planned, to the proposed new bridge over the Mersey on the A5060 Chester Road, creating a funnel effect of traffic wishing to travel from the south to the north into and beyond Warrington.
The ;parish council believes applications for large housing developments should be considered concurrently, focussing on the impact on existing highways and amenities and agreements for funding of such infrastructure before planning consents are granted.
Plans for 600 houses worry local councillors
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3 Comments
It has certainly taken the local parish councils long enough to sit up and take notice, local residents have been warning about the additional developments for some time! Why have they left it until this late stage to ‘mount a protest’?
Quote; “The parish council believes applications for large housing developments should be considered concurrently, focussing on the impact on existing highways and amenities and agreements for funding of such infrastructure before planning consents are granted.”
Note, “focussing on the impact of existing highways and amenities”
Having known of planned improvements at bridge foot, they should have realised that these planned improvements will be used to counteract their objections. What about all the other issues to which valid objections could be made?
It seems that their real focus is ‘agreements for funding ……before planning consents are granted’ rather than any effective opposition to the development plans.
Protest or self-publicity campaign?
I agree Sha but maybe the parish councils only feel they can voice their concerns once they planning applications have actually been submitted. The mass over development of all the land round there has been in the pipeline for many many years since the HCA got their hands on it all back in the days. To be honest I’m surprised it has taken this long for them to put the plans in action.
I must admit though I do have a little smirk on my face as I remember years ago when many people round the areas thought the mention of it all being turned into housing was nothing more than scaremongering. Maybe now they finally believe it 😉
Dizzy,
The Appleton / Grappenhall land was acquired for highways improvements, possibility for housing, amenities etc only if and when it was ever needed for the expansion of the New Town Development.
All ‘New Town’ programmes have ceased, so other than to progress WBC’s grandiose expansion plans this land is not needed for housing development.
As for the reason why these plans have been submitted at this particular time…………well, I think there’s more to this than has as yet been revealed to the general public! and questions need to be asked.
One question for you though Dizzy, will it be a ‘little smirk’ or a large grimace on your face when you get bogged down in the extra traffic running through Stockton Heath each day?