AN East Runcorn MP has hit out at plans for hundreds more homes in the area, saying 'enough is enough'.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury is asking residents to raise any concerns in a consultation by Government agency Homes England over proposals for up to 850 houses, which has a response deadline of October 1.

There are plans for a 250-home extension to Sandymoor and a further 600 houses south of the Chester-Warrington railway line on farmers’ fields either side of Red Brow Lane.

This follows other greenfield schemes in the area either being built, or with planning permission, for almost 1,500 homes plus a large commercial development.

Mr Amesbury, who is Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister, said: “I am all too aware we have a housing crisis that desperately needs addressing.

“I am pro-housing but there needs to be a mix of tenures, including homes available for genuinely affordable rent, with help for first-time buyers. Very importantly it needs to be in the right place, which this isn’t.

“Homes England is working hand-in-glove with developers to achieve quick wins and big profits for shareholders but at the expense of our precious green space.

“Enough is enough. There are run-down previously developed areas in my constituency crying out for regeneration.

“If this scheme goes ahead we will lose agricultural land, nature and wildlife will lose its habitat and residents will lose the ability to walk through a beautiful green space on the public footpaths that cross it.”

The latest 850-homes plan follows other greenfield schemes locally including a Homes England project for 335 homes under construction in Actons Wood Lane, an 800-homes Redrow development being built off Delph Lane and permission granted for 320,000 sq ft of offices and up to 350 homes to the owners of the next door Daresbury Park.

Mr Amesbury said that as well as a housing crisis there was an 'affordablity crisis', with many of the new houses being built being out of most people's reach. He also questioned the impact on local infrastructure.

A spokesperson for Homes England, said: “We are working closely with Halton Borough Council to deliver its Local Plan, building on our successful delivery of homes and infrastructure in Sandymoor to date.

"We are proposing up to 850 new high quality homes in the area, including up to 120 affordable homes.

“These sites have long been identified for housing, forming allocations within the adopted Halton Local Plan since 2005.

"Under our plans, the scheme will create local jobs and provide infrastructure such as new roads, a new canal bridge, and generous green spaces, supporting biodiversity.

"We are consulting on our proposals and will continue to engage with the local community, the local authorities and other partners, as we further develop our proposals.”

To comment on the plan by the October 1 deadline, email: sandymoorandwharford@hiveland.co.uk