PLANS to build nine homes following the demolition of a vacant Stockton Heath property have been rejected due to fears it would 'cause severe harm to the highway network'.

Thomas Jones & Sons had submitted an outline planning application for residential development of up to nine homes at the site, on Grappenhall Road.

But it was met with objections from residents and the council has decided to turn it down.

In its planning decision notice the authority said: "The proposed development would result in a redeveloped access onto Grappenhall Road, which is considered not to be of adequate width to accommodate the passing of two large vehicles.

"The proposed development is therefore considered – cumulatively – to have the potential to cause severe harm to the safe operation of the nearby highway network.

"The proposed development of the site, with up to nine dwellings, would cause the loss of the sense of spaciousness and open feel which it currently contributes to the attractiveness and distinctiveness of its setting and to the high level of residential amenity currently experienced by those living around and near to the site.

"The proposal is, therefore, considered to amount to unacceptable overdevelopment in these terms."