CONCERNED residents are being urged to 'make their voices heard' to ensure lives are not 'ruined' by the development of 770 homes in Appleton and Grappenhall Heys.

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.

Liberal Democrat councillors held a public meeting at Bridgewater High School's upper site, on Broomfields Road, on Tuesday, March 28, to discuss proposals.

HCA figures have said the scheme will 'enable the delivery of a well-planned, sustainable extension to the existing urban area'.

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.

However, the ward councillors and around 100 residents in attendance at the public meeting expressed serious concerns.

Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall) highlighted some of the fears he and his party colleagues share.

He said: "We have concerns over traffic congestion and road infrastructure, over-capacity at junctions, the readiness of health and education provision and the unfair loss of green space.

"There's some good news on health and education.

"There's been a positive response from the Clinical Commissioning Group to put in a medical centre at Appleton Cross because other sites are at over-capacity.

"But we are still concerned that these facilities won't be ready before people move into the area.

"Most of the HCA land is in south Warrington – but housing should be fairly done across the town.

"We will continue to oppose the applications on the grounds of traffic congestion and a lack of road infrastructure.

"We ask all residents to make their own objections to the applications – we need to make the planning team listen.

"Any development has to be done in a way which does not ruin the community and the lives of people here."

The public's response to the plan to develop on Peel Hall, which was unanimously rejected by planning chiefs in February, was also highlighted.

Cllr Judith Wheeler (LD – Appleton) added: "A lot of people think it is a done deal – it is not a done deal.

"You need to make your voices heard."

One resident suggested those in the area should 'lobby' Warrington South MP David Mowat over the proposals.

Mr Mowat has met with HCA and council figures to discuss the issues.

He said he 'made it clear' that upgrades to the infrastructure in the area 'need to take place at an early stage to keep the town moving'.

Last month, the HCA's plans to build 180 homes at Pewterspear Green were approved by the authority.

Both applications expire on June 8.