A DEVELOPER under 'intense pressure' from the Government is set to start building 180 homes in Stretton after plans were approved.

The Homes and Communities Agency, which has been replaced by Homes England, had proposals for three schemes passed last year.

Outline plans for 180 properties on land in Stretton, bounded by Pewterspear Green Road and Stretton Road, as well as 370 homes at Appleton Cross and 400 homes in Grappenhall Heys, were passed.

Barratt Homes is delivering the Pewterspear site – and its reserved matters planning application came before the development management committee on Wednesday.

The committee approved the application, subject to conditions.

Simon Artiss, from Barratt Homes, told the committee the developer is 'under intense pressure from Homes England and from Government' to get building.

He also confirmed Barratt's is aiming to start construction work 'as soon as possible'.

He added: "You will be aware this is part of Homes England's accelerated construction programme, one of seven pilots in England.

"This is one of the sites.

"We will have two construction teams to minimise the construction programme to about 30 months.

"Basically, Homes England and Barratt's are working together to try and speed up the delivery.

"You will be aware, nationally, there are delays in terms of planning, bringing sites to the market, building fast enough – this is very much a pilot scheme just for speeding up that process to deliver homes quicker."

Cllr Judith Wheeler (LD – Appleton) said the scheme will impact on the lives of the area's current residents 'forever'

Concerns have been raised over Pewterspear Green Trust not receiving any money as part of the section 106 agreements.

Cllr David Keane (LAB – Penketh and Cuerdley) said: "If further applications do come up in this area, we might like to see some negotiation with the local trust in the section 106 monies.

"That should be something that is clearly, perhaps, noted by councillors and by residents."

The site will have 54 affordable units.

The section 106 agreements include £110,000 to enhance the number eight bus service and £10,000 for two bus shelters and hardstanding on Stretton Road.