SERIOUS concerns have been raised over controversial housing plans for land at Grappenhall Heys.

The Homes and Communities Agency, which has been replaced by Homes England, had proposals for three schemes approved in 2017.

Outline plans for 180 properties on land in Stretton, bounded by Pewterspear Green Road and Stretton Road, as well as 370 homes at Appleton Cross and 400 homes at Grappenhall Heys, were passed.

Construction work at the Stretton site is progressing, while a reserved matters application for the Appleton Cross scheme is expected to be submitted next month.

Reserved matters applications have now been put forward for the first phases of the Grappenhall Heys scheme, phase 1a and phase 1b.

This part of the planning process requires the applicant to submit detailed proposals over the scale, layout, access and appearance of the development.

Phase 1a comprises development of 66 homes and associated development on the land south of Astor Drive, east of Lichfield Avenue and south of Witherwin Avenue, while phase 1b comprises development of up to 114 homes.

But Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall) has raised concerns over the plans.

He said: “The quantity of off-road parking seems low for the size of houses – the majority appear to be three plus bedrooms, yet only two off-road spaces.

“There also seems to be little space for safe on-road parking, which wouldn’t jeopardise traffic movement.

“There is also likely to be an impact on parking for existing residents on Astor Drive.

“This is a narrow section of road which is currently a cul-de-sac and, as such, is used as resident parking.

“When used for parking, it effectively makes it a single-track road.

“Yet this will be the sole access to the new development.

“In contrast to the existing Grappenhall Heys developments, the green space incorporated in both schemes seems to be very limited and, thus, not in keeping with the area.

“And not only from a sustainability perspective but moreover from common sense, it seems ridiculous that neither scheme integrates with existing infrastructure for walking or cycling.”

A resident, who lives close to the site, says she purchased her property on the basis that the area is a ‘quiet, countryside location’ with field views to the front and rear.

In her objection lodged to the council, she added the new development will have a direct impact ‘upon the value’ she sees in her house.

To view or comment on the applications head to warrington.gov.uk/planning, click on 'see or comment' and type planning reference number 2019/34480 to view the phase 1a plans, or 2019/34481 for phase 1b.