COMMUNITIES are being urged to 'stand up and be counted' to a developer after a masterplan to build up to 1,200 homes on Peel Hall was revealed.

Hundreds of residents passed through the doors at the Church of the Resurrection and St Bridget in Fearnhead on Saturday for the public consultation hosted by Satnam.

The firm is preparing an outline application for the controversial project, having previously failed to receive planning permission to build homes on the land.

Satnam director Colin Griffiths said he was 'delighted' with the turnout and interaction from the public who got the chance to look at the plans.

But Winwick resident Ste Dodd, who lives five minutes away from Peel Hall, said those in the area remain strongly against development.

He added: "I was there for nearly three hours – not a positive thing was said.

"There are a lot of factors, the land is unsuitable for what they are proposing and there are issues with the access points.

"I don't think Satnam should be given permission for anything at all – the people of Warrington don't need it.

"But I am quietly confident that if supported from the council – and people stand up and be counted – the plans won't go ahead."

Many residents failed to receive leaflets from the developer informing them of the consultation until the day of the event, or not at all, but the firm has said it is 'taking the issue up' with the delivery company.

Mr Griffiths added: "We would remind people this scheme responds to the high level of housing need set out by the council.

"The scale of the investment in this part of Warrington will be huge, with schools, health services, children's facilities and businesses all benefitting from the additional homes the town so badly needs.

"We are aware there was a delivery issue with the 4,500 leaflets. We are however grateful to MP Helen Jones who added to our publicity strategy by e-mailing her database of interested parties so no one appears to have been unaware of the event.

"All of the comments will now be considered."

Cllr Geoff Settle (LAB – Poulton North) has also put forward his concerns.

"People questioned the new access roads that would go via their properties," he said.

"They were told that that they would be made wider because Satnam had already purchased them – this was news to the tenants, several of whom were there.

"Perhaps the biggest note of contention is the Homes and Communities Association (HCA) plot of land at the back of the Millhouse, off Ballater Drive.

"Satnam claims to own this playing field but this is news to the HCA and untrue."

To view the consultation display and feedback forms visit resultscommunications.co.uk.

Comments can be put forward until February 13.