CONTROVERSY has erupted over proposals for a new three-storey sheltered housing scheme on the edge of the common in Culcheth which villagers claim will spoil the skyline.

Planning chiefs have received 30 letters castigating the package, drawn up by McCarthy & Stone Developments, which includes 25 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom flats for the elderly.

Some neighbours say the buildings, on the site of the former Kwik Save store, at the Lodge Drive/Ellesmere Road junction, will block out sunlight from their properties.

Others contend that the additional traffic generated by the homes will make the adjoining roads more unsafe, especially for school children.

Culcheth Parish Council is supportive of the proposals but suggests that wider discussions, possibly via a public meeting, is needed on the location's future.

In a report to members of the borough council's development control committee, planning officer Michael Davies claims that the erection of a three-storey building would not set a precedent for the village.

And developers say that Kwik Save has been on the market for six months without any interest - with another unit on the same site empty for two years.

A decision on the application was set to be made as the Guardian went to press.