SERIOUS concerns over the 'major strain on the road network' have been raised after plans to build 770 homes in Appleton and Grappenhall Heys were submitted.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has registered outline planning applications for 370 homes at its Appleton Cross site, on Dipping Brook Avenue, and 400 at Grappenhall Heys, off Witherwin Avenue.

Blueprints for both include intentions to accommodate 'recreational open space and the related infrastructure'.

There are also plans to build a small supermarket, medical centre and another facility for community use, which could be a place of worship, on the Appleton land.

In the design and access statement, the HCA said the scheme will 'enable the delivery of a well-planned, sustainable extension to the existing urban area'.

It added: "The 20.4 hectare (Appleton) site forms part of a wider area of land assets in south Warrington, which have remained in the ownership of the HCA and its predecessors since the early 1980s, with a view to accommodating future new homes and associated development.

"The proposed scheme will deliver a high-quality residential development, with a strong sense of place, and secure facilities on site to meet the demand of new and existing residents in an accessible and sustainable location.

"It will create a user-friendly environment that will provide excellent pedestrian and cycle permeability through the site linking to the existing public footpath network beyond the site and connecting existing residential areas."

Ward councillors are set to arrange a public meeting to discuss proposals imminently.

Warrington South MP David Mowat has met with HCA and council figures to discuss proposals.

He said: "This land has been reserved for development for about two decades so we always knew it was going to be built on at some point.

"Obviously, adding so many houses is going to put major strain on the surrounding road network.

"I've made it clear to both the HCA and the council that upgrades to the local infrastructure need to take place at an early stage to keep the town moving."

Last month councillors approved the HCA's plans to build 180 homes at Pewterspear Green.

Both applications expire on June 8.