'HORRIFIED' councillors have raised serious concerns over more than 9,000 homes potentially being built in Appleton, Stretton, Higher Walton and Grappenhall by 2037.

The local plan preferred development option (PDO) sets out how Warrington can meet its development needs of approximately 24,000 new homes and 381 hectares of employment land over the next 20 years.

But there have been widespread fears after it was confirmed green belt land will be required to deliver around 9,000 of the homes.

A number of sites earmarked for development are also not included on the PDO list as they are identified in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

Sites that have already been deemed 'available' for development include Homes and Communities Agency land in Appleton, on Dipping Brook Avenue, and Grappenhall Heys, off Witherwin Avenue.

Decisions over plans to build a total of 770 homes on both of the sites were deferred at the end of June, with a new decision date to be finalised in early September.

Under the PDO proposals, a 'garden city suburb' would be created on land around Appleton and Grappenhall.

The suburb would see up to 7,274 new homes built, including 6,324 on the green belt, by 2037, as well as a major new employment site in Appleton Thorn.

In a joint statement, Appleton councillors Judith Wheeler, Brian Axcell and Sharon Harris said 'it is madness to destroy beautiful countryside with some of the highest landscape value in Warrington'.

They added: "We are horrified at the proposals to build more than 9,000 houses in Appleton, Grappenhall, Stretton and Higher Walton.

"The reality will be that all fields in Appleton will be built over and the character of the Stretton and Appleton Thorn villages and landscape of Higher Walton destroyed forever.

"If the green belt has to go, it should be where the land is unattractive and has no amenity value and that means not all of south Warrington.

"The town would be made poorer by the loss of this countryside.

"It is not just local people who love their area, many from across the town appreciate the green space on their doorstep.

"Just take a walk, cycle or drive through the area and you realise that putting all our fields under concrete is criminal.

"With the exception of the Omega development, much of northern and eastern Warrington will largely be untouched by the council's plans and we feel it is unfair for south Warrington to bear the brunt of the development when there are other locations equally suitable and more sustainable.

"The 2017 Government white paper on housing states that 'maintaining existing strong protections for the green belt and clarifying that green belt boundaries should be amended only in exceptional circumstances when local authorities can demonstrate that they have fully examined all other reasonable options for meeting their identified housing requirements'.

"There are dozens of brownfield sites in Warrington that should be developed first before turning to other areas.

"Fiddlers Ferry is a potentially vast area that could contribute to Warrington's housing needs and this does not appear to have been considered in the council's plans.

"Regenerate the town centre, make it an attractive place to visit – it isn't at the moment.

"Build on the brownfield and then, if Warrington is still an employment boom town needing more housing, move onto the greenfield sites – put the infrastructure in and we will accept our share of housing.

"Yes we hear the trolls' cries of 'posh Appleton NIMBYs' loud and clear but a garden city suburb and an urban extension into Higher Walton is a step too far.

"We've not heard anyone yet – anywhere in Warrington – who wants the town to be a city.

"We have three on our doorstep to move to should we want to live in one.

"A prosperous and attractive town yes, a city no."

Warrington Borough Council said 'all views will be taken into consideration before any decisions are made'.

A spokesman added: "We are currently halfway through an eight-week consultation over the PDO of our local plan.

"Hundreds of people have already attended a number of public engagement sessions held in different parts of the borough and there are many more opportunities for people to have their say.

"It is important to emphasise that no decisions have yet been made and we would urge residents and councillors to continue to feed in their views.

"We would also encourage residents with specific concerns and questions about development in south Warrington to attend an extra public drop-in event we have set up, which takes place at Park Royal Hotel in Stretton on Monday September 4, from 3pm until 8pm."