Village welcomes latest twist in development saga (From Warrington Guardian)

Village welcomes latest twist in development saga

RESIDENTS in Lymm could wait a year before finding out what sort of development will be built on a field in the village.

A controversial scheme to build 200 homes on land at Longbutt Lane and Oughtrington Lane in the village was blocked by borough councillors on Wednesday night - forcing the application to be dealt with by a planning inspector.

And the verdict has gone down well with councillors in Lymm, who say it will give residents the chance to air their concerns over the plans.

The decision, by the borough council's development control committee, to refuse the plans comes after councillors refused to vote on the issue three weeks ago.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt said she hoped that a traffic survey could now be carried out following concerns that the building could create a highway nightmare.

She said: "It seem as if we have been fighting this battle forever but we must continue, especially now that it seems people power is beginning to have some effect."

She added that it could take a year for the case to come to appeal - giving residents and councillors the chance to prepare a case.

And Clr Ian Marks said he was glad the committee members had the courage of their convictions.

He added: "I hope that, when it comes to the appeal, we will have the opportunity to review the three different aspects of this scheme which are not right."

Clr Marks listed these as the potential impact on the visual character of the village, affordability of the new homes and concerns over highway safety close to a school.

Committee members voted unanimously to turn down the application.

However, developers Wilson Connelly Homes have submitted multiple applications for the site, one of which is likely to be heard at the next meeting of the development control committee later this month.