Field of conflict (From Warrington Guardian)

Field of conflict

DEVELOPERS wanting to build more than 200 homes on a Lymm field have changed their application to reduce the height of the proposed buildings.

Wilson Connelly Homes's plans have been redrafted after Warrington borough councillors blocked the scheme for the homes on the field near Longbutt Lane and Oughtrington Lane, as reported by the Warrington Guardian.

But borough councillor Sheila Woodyatt has accused the developers of cynically exploiting the planning process by putting a revised plan in before the earlier scheme has gone to appeal. A date for the appeal could be up to a year away.

Clr Woodyatt said the latest plans would need to be viewed more closely, but she accused developers of being cynical in submitting more applications.

She said: "The disappointing thing is that the parish council did have discussions with the developer right at the very beginning of this.

"They knew the things that people would object to and they have taken no notice.

"This is a prime site that could be a flagship design for the borough and they are playing the system."

The new scheme, which goes before planners next month, proposes reducing the number of homes from 214 to 202. Earlier plans for a mixture of two- and three-storey homes have been ditched, with the new proposals being for two-storey properties only.

Councillors and residents have questioned the developers' plans for part of the scheme to be for 'affordable' housing.

The previous planning application was turned down after planners raised doubts about how affordable they would be.

Clr Woodyatt added: "I am still not happy and nor are local residents, about the affordable aspect of the site."

Planning permission to build on the land and the new plans will be discussed at a meeting of the development control committee on December 15.