COUNCILLORS have slammed the decision to name street names on a new development in Stretton after golf courses – with one claiming it has connections to elitism.

Homes England and Barratt Homes are working together to deliver 180 new homes on land bounded by Pewterspear Green Road and Stretton Road.

Properties on the Kings Quarter and Saviours Place developments are aimed at increasing the pace of housing as part of the Government's drive to deliver 300,000 new homes a year.

Work started on the site this month, with completion of the project earmarked for 2021.

In total, there will be 12 new streets as part of the scheme.

The council has a statutory duty to name roads as part of any new development in the borough.

Ward councillors Judith Wheeler, Brian Axcell and Sharon Harris have objected to the move.

Cllr Wheeler has highlighted calls, from Stretton Neighbourhood Plan Group, for any street names to have a geographical and historical connection to Stretton – and claimed naming roads after golf courses has connections to elitism.

She added: "We have no wish to have roads on our new developments named after golf courses, which have no geographical or historical link to the area.

"No one I have spoken to, who plays golf, had recognised any theme in the area for existing streets named after golf courses, as the council has claimed."

But the authority insists it has responded sufficiently to the concerns raised.

A spokesman said: "As part of the consultation process, we contacted Appleton ward councillors for their comments.

"We do not regularly consult with parishes as this will delay the street naming process due to these groups meeting infrequently.

"It is also not common practice to consult with private companies, local groups and charities, as again, this would introduce significant delays.

"When developers approach us to name a street, it is often the first stage of the development and is required to instruct statutory works for gas, water and electricity supplies.

"Without street names, the developer cannot progress and in order to not be obstructive, we only consult with ward members to avoid unnecessary delays."

The spokesman also confirmed the Homes England and Barratt Homes have not asked to use a specific theme for the site.

He added: "As this is a large development with a number of new roads, it is essential that the selected theme has enough options to provide consistency for the identity of the estate.

"The existing roads, Henbury Gardens and Ashford Drive, from which the new development will be served, have been named after English golf courses.

"Therefore, the decision was made to continue this theme within the new development as it provides an adequate list of names to choose from."

The names are due to be finalised.