FURIOUS campaigners believe revised traffic plans linked to 'disastrous' proposals to build 1,200 homes on Peel Hall will 'cripple' north Warrington's highway network.

The development management committee unanimously rejected Satnam's masterplan for the site in February last year.

However, following the decision, the company lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

The appeal will begin at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub at 1pm on April 23, with residents and politicians, including Warrington North MP Helen Jones, vowing to continue fighting the proposals.

Satnam has submitted revised plans and additional information in the form of an environmental statement addendum, which will be read alongside the original environmental statement and transport assessment.

Save Peel Hall campaigners have slammed the 'numerous tweaks' made to the application and fear that a future development would 'cripple' the area's road network.

"Campaigners are calling for anything other than what was originally submitted to be thrown out of the hearing," said former borough councillor Geoff Settle.

The group fears the revised plan will open up Poplars Avenue by 'punching through' Cotswold Road onto the A49, while members also hit out at the proposed 'through route' from the A49 across the development and emerging at Mill Lane in Houghton Green, at the expense of the playing fields on Ballater Drive.

Campaigner Jim Sullivan said: "Cars from over 1,000 new houses will feed out from only three inadequate access points resulting in more misery for drivers in Orford, Winwick and Fearnhead.

"This through route will serve as a gateway for hundreds of vehicles trying to escape the congestion on the M62 and the A49.

"Both ends will be gridlocked."

However, despite the high volume of concerns, the firm insists the development would deliver major benefits to the area.

Satnam director Colin Griffiths said: "Satnam remains as committed to investing in north Warrington as we were in 2012, in 2013 and again in 2016, which is why we have spent considerable resources developing the phased masterplan which will deliver up to 1,200 homes, employment, a local centre and community support facilities.

"We have been clear throughout about how this proposal responds to Warrington's housing shortfall, as well as how we will be investing in the community.

"The council's 2015 strategic housing land availability assessment confirms the Peel Hall site is suitable, available and achievable for housing as proposed – and we look forward to the appeal commencing in April."

Save Peel Hall will be staging a ‘pre-appeal rally’ at Cinnamon Brow Farm Club at 2pm on March 25.

Campaigners are urging residents to attend in what they hope will be a ‘massive show of strength’ before the hearing.