LYMM councillors are urging developers to re-examine plans to turn the Lymm Hotel site into a housing development with four-storey villas.

Linden Homes is currently sounding out villagers over its plans for the site, but opponents of the scheme state that the proposal is completely out of character with the rural environment of Lymm.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt said that the plans, which have been amended following a public exhibition last month, remain out of keeping with the area.

She added: "Lymm Hotel fits in with the area. If we have got to have a development, we want something that is likely to improve and enhance, not something that is detrimental, so I hope that they are going to listen to the views of local people."

Clr Ian Marks said he was dismayed that the changes did not include a reduction in the height of the proposed four-storey homes.

He added: "The changes they have made to the design are welcome but purely cosmetic.

"Fundamentally there is a sufficient supply of houses in Warrington, so there is no need for this development at all

Andrew Brown, managing director of Linden Homes, admitted that high prices would make it difficult for it to reduce the height of the buildings.

He added: "There is obviously quite a difference of opinion but it was well worth holding the exhibition."

He explained that a planning application would be submitted to the borough council later this month but that discussions would continue with local people.