Housing plan worries councillors

A PLAN to build 64 homes at Lymm is worrying local councillors.
Cllr Ian Marks  (pictured) says the scheme, put forward by developers Bellway, will take land originally designated as Green Belt and also result in the loss of job at businesses currently operating from the site, off Rushgreen Road.
The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “We have been expecting this application for some time.
“Superficially it looks attractive because the site is rather untidy at present and it could be seen as a planning gain. But it’s not so simple.
“It is vitally important that we retain the Green Belt between Lymm and Oughtrington and this proposal would create significantly more building on land that was originally designated as Green Belt.
“This will harm the open aspect and may set unwanted precedents for future development. It is also disputed whether the existing commercial developments on the site have the correct planning permissions.
“Another concern is the loss of employment from the businesses that currently operate on the site. Where are they going to go? While the proposals for open space, landscaping and ecological enhancements are to be welcomed, there is a worry about contamination on the site.
“The overwhelming need in Lymm is for affordable housing. Twenty four privately owned or rented social homes are proposed for the site. If development is allowed then it is vital the developer is not allowed to wriggle out of this commitment, as many of them do, claiming a so-called ‘viability assessment’. It is disappointing that 26 of the homes are for four bedrooms or more when the need is for more reasonably priced homes.”
Cllr Marks added that Rushgreen Road is narrow in places and has numerous traffic problems. Development would bring more cars with no infrastructure improvements.