FURTHER anger has been expressed over controversial plans to build 55 houses on Green Belt land at Lymm, with consultation taking place over the busy festive period.
But local Cllr. Ian Marks says residents still have an opportunity to register thier opposition after being told by Warrington Borough Council planning officers they will still consider representations pior to determination, even though the deadline has bnow passed.
Residents and local councillors are angry at the proposal to build 55 houses on farm land off Rushgreen Road in Lymm. Many are cross that the consultation period took place over the Christmas and New Year period when people had their minds on other matters.
Cllr. Marks said: “Thank you to all the residents who have contacted the Council expressing their disgust at this application. There is a strong feeling that approval would weaken public confidence in the planning system, and in particular the importance of safeguarding our Green Belt. A huge amount of time has been spent on producing the adopted Local Plan which makes it very clear which land can be built upon. This piece of land is not part of this allocation and there are no ‘very special circumstances’ to allow this to happen. The concept of ‘Grey Belt’ has now been introduced by the Government to make it easier to build on new land, but there is no reason why this area should come into this category.
“We know the government wants to build more houses but the Council is adamant that it can demonstrate that it has a five year supply which means the housing numbers in the Local Plan are still valid.
“Warrington planners have a statutory duty to make a decision by 16 March. The official period for consultation closed in early January but I understand they will accept all representations made prior to the determination of the application, even though they may be received outside the statutory consultation period. If you want to object but have not done so yet, please contact the Council and quote planning application 2025/01668/OUTM.
“Apart from the Green Belt issue, residents are also complaining about existing traffic congestion and highway safety on Rushgreen Road with vehicles mounting the pavement to pass each other due to the narrowness of the road. Nor do they like the potential erosion of the separation between the distinct areas of the village centre and Oughtrington. I urge the Warrington Planners to turn this application down.”
