THE fight to save Greenfield land in Culcheth is on after a 12- year-old schoolgirl set up a Facebook page protesting against plans to build on the site.
Culcheth High School pupil Eleanor Daintith, of Doeford Close, hopes her ‘Fight 4 our Field’ page will raise awareness and drum up opposition to the development.
Developers Redrow submitted an application on June 8 to build 26 houses on the field, next to Doeford Close.
Eleanor said: “As a kid, I don't have a say in major decisions like this that affect me and my friends so I wanted to make my feelings known.
“I feel very strongly that I don't want the builders to spoil the field, which is a habitat for many animals and a place for me and my friends to play.”
Residents have also started a group to organise resistance to the proposals.
The group’s chairman Geoff Hardern, also of Doeford Close, said: “We’re not opposed to development, but this is over-development and it will stretch the infrastructure of Culcheth.
“Schools in the village are already oversubscribed, you can’t get an NHS dentist and parking is a nightmare.”
Redrow has owned the land since 1990 but an exclusion zone imposed due to the nearby Orica depot, used to store dynamite, prevented building on the site.
However Orica have indicated that they may change the use of the depot to store less dangerous material, which could reduce the size of the exclusion zone.
The field has been used for community events such as a marquee and firework display, and is a popular spot for dog walkers and children.
Clr Chris Vobe (Lab - Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft) added: "I am pleased to be able to stand alongside residents to oppose any plans by Redrow to build on the land adjacent to Doeford Close.
"Twenty six properties on this land would simply not be sustainable, and it doesn't take much to see that Redrow are simply out to make a fast buck. This estate already suffers from traffic problems, and along with nearby Twiss Green Lane, is congested at peak times.
“Redrow seem to be giving little thought to the overdevelopment of Culcheth. The only thing that is on their radar is turning one of the most admired parts of the village into a concrete jungle."
The residents will have the chance to put their cases to a planning meeting in August, and council bosses will reach a decision in September.
The deadline for objections to be submitted is Friday.
To view Eleanor’s page visit facebook.com and search fight-4-our-field.
