Tattenhall residents launch protest website in opposition to Bolesworth Estate plans to build huge elderly care village

Feb 25 2010 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

AN OPPOSITION group has been formed in protest at plans for an elderly care village in Tattenhall.

The group’s website has already gained almost 100 supporters who claim that Bolesworth Estate proposals for a 111-home complex would ‘spoil’ the village.

A meeting at a resident’s home, close to where the proposed care village would be built, was held earlier this week with many protestors, who have requested to remain anonymous, voicing their fears.

A resident, of Brockway West, said: “Our main objection is the sheer size of it. We are talking about a development on 14 acres of land. It would add 10% to a population of 2,000 and that would put further strain on the village and its infrastructure.”

The proposed elderly care village, at Frog Hall Farm, is reported to include a restaurant, library, IT room, swimming pool, hairdressers, shop and gardens and could create more than 150 jobs.

But Tattenhall residents say that there is not enough parking for staff and residents and claim traffic levels would become dangerously high.

Another resident, also of Brockway West, added: “I moved to Tattenhall because it’s a large rural village perfect for a family. But I am now concerned that there will be significant additional traffic coming and going from the care village

“I also worry about the future demographics of Tattenhall in that from the figures available one in four residents will be over 65 if the plans are passed.”

The opposition group, which has launched their campaign on www.tattenhallvillage.com, reacted to Bolesworth Estate plans after they were recently unveiled at a public consultation event at the village’s Barbour Institute.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council in the spring.