HOUSING plans for land at Grappenhall Heys have been recommended for approval despite almost 150 objections.

The Homes and Communities Agency – which has been replaced by Homes England – had outline plans for 400 homes at Grappenhall Heys passed in 2017.

The reserved matters applications for the first phases of the overall scheme, 1a and 1b, were refused last year.

But the new applications from Homes England and Rowland Homes, each planned to deliver 30 per cent of affordable housing, will come before the development management committee at the Town Hall next Wednesday.

The reserved matters 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 58 homes on land to the south of Astor Drive and east of Witherwin Avenue, while phase 1b comprises development of 114 homes on land to the north of Lichfield Avenue and the east of Witherwin Avenue.

But total 77 objections have been submitted over the phase 1a scheme and 69 over phase 1b.

Objections are on grounds including a lack of infrastructure, no provision for schools or medical centres, air pollution, poor design, density being too high and there being a large number of vacant homes in area.

But the proposals are recommended for approval subject to conditions.

In a statement, planning officers said the plans demonstrate that the impact on the highway network would be acceptable.

They added: “The proposal includes ecological mitigation to offset the loss of the existing agricultural land and is in excess of the required level of ecological mitigation to be provided on the site.

“It is considered that the proposal would not have a harmful impact on the amenities of the adjacent properties and the future occupiers of the site.”