FEARS over wildlife have been raised after blueprints to build two homes in Lower Walton were submitted.

Applicant Iain Gourlay has put forward plans proposing the construction of two semi-detached four-bed properties, with off street parking, on Pool Lane.

The site, which is close to a Grade II listed building on Chester Road, has a history of planning applications that have been refused on highways grounds.

A planning statement submitted to the council said the development 'will improve the area'.

It added: "There is no suggestion that there are any heritage assets actually on the site proposed for development.

"A modern building some distance to the rear – and with intervening curtilage buildings – would not be overbearing on the listed building.

"It would be an improvement on the present overgrown and somewhat dilapidated site, which is currently being used regularly for fly-tipping.

"The site is currently poor quality land lacking in environmental value.

"The proposed dwellings will be sufficiently removed from existing dwellings so as not to impact on their amenity, while providing good amenity for future occupiers.

"The present application has to be considered against present polices.

"Previous decisions should carry little weight.

"The road is operating as a residential road without any concern.

"Two more houses will have no material effect."

A Chester Road resident, who has submitted an objection to the plans, believes development will impact on animals at the site.

The resident said: "This land has always been left to its own devices so, therefore, wildlife have made it their home.

"With all the building work proposed in Walton, let the wildlife here have a little place to live.

"Places are disappearing fast for wildlife and small places like this are their only refuge.

"As well as the wildlife, there is a Grade II listed cottage next to this land, any new building would totally take away the look and character of this cottage."

Six car park spaces are proposed in total.