WARRINGTON Borough Council has accused the agent behind proposals to build 770 homes in Appleton and Grappenhall Heys of submitting 'potentially misleading' information.

Last month a decision on the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA) outline planning applications for 370 homes at its Appleton Cross site, on Dipping Brook Avenue, and 400 at Grappenhall Heys, off Witherwin Avenue, was postponed after 'too many' residents turned up at the Town Hall.

The development management committee is set to make a decision on both applications at a special meeting at the Pyramid on June 29.

In supporting documents submitted with the application by agent Atkins, it was claimed the council is 'reviewing primary school provision in the south Warrington area and potential requirements to expand capacity as part of assessing the HCA's residential development proposals'.

However, in an FOI response to a resident, the council dismissed the statement.

A spokesman said: "I can confirm that the council has not undertaken any formal review of primary school provision in the area and that it is potentially misleading of Atkins to suggest so within their documents.

"It is the case for any planning applications relating to a housing development that consideration is given to the potential impact of the development on school place provision within the surrounding area.

"The findings of this are reported to the development management team as part of the planning application consultation process."

The authority has this week confirmed there is no review planned.

Ward councillors have also raised concerns over the information submitted by Atkins.

Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall) said: "We're quite alarmed that Atkins would include misleading information within their extensive planning documents.

"This just further highlights the need for thorough scrutiny of all the materials, by both officers and councillors on development management.

"The scale and importance of these developments means the process must be transparent and open for all residents to see."

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

More than three hundred objections have been received for each application.

The HCA said it ‘cannot currently comment’ on the matter due to being subject to the pre-election purdah regulations.