MP David Mowat is calling on planners to consider the 'cumulative impact' of proposals to build almost 1,000 homes in Appleton and Grappenhall Heys as traffic fears continue to mount.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has submitted an outline planning application for Pewterspear Green, with applications for sites at Appleton Cross and Grappenhall Heys expected before January.

Development would see around 180 homes built at Pewterspear Green, 370 at Appleton Cross and 400 at Grappenhall Heys.

Proposals have been criticised by Liberal Democrat councillors and residents, who continue to highlight a number of concerns.

At a public meeting last month Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall) confirmed his party's councillors would be formally objecting to all three applications on infrastructure and amenity grounds.

The Liberal Democrats also confirmed they would be looking to discuss fears with Warrington South MP Mr Mowat.

Mr Mowat is backing the plans – but called for necessary measures to be in place before development.

"There is a nationwide shortage of housing and our children and grandchildren will only be able to dream of owning a home of their own if we don't keep building places for families to live in," he said.

"You can't be in favour of building more homes and then oppose schemes which will help ease the problem.

"That being said, all housing developments must be appropriately sited and they must have the necessary infrastructure in place to support the needs of the families who will move into them.

"In this case, my view is that this infrastructure, particularly the roads, needs to be in place at the start of the development and not at the end.

"There are some severe traffic problems in south Warrington and Town Hall planners need to consider the cumulative impact of the three separate developments."