500 people sign petition opposing 100-home plan in Tarporley

Aug 11 2011 by Gary Porter, Chester Chronicle

HUNDREDS of residents have signed a petition opposing controversial plans to build up to 100 homes in Tarporley.

About 500 signatures were taken in the space of just five hours during Saturday’s Country Market.

The newly-formed residents’ action group – Tarporley Greenfield Awareness Project – have set up the petition in a bid to stop the proposed development on land off Nantwich Road.

Resident Michael George, who is spearheading the campaign, said: “I was blown away by the response. I’d like to thank the local residents for coming out in force.

“It sends a clear signal to the developers and the landowner that this proposal is not welcome.

“The village needs to be in control of where developments are – Tarporley has expanded so much over the years.

“We understand the requirement for affordable housing and the parish council is looking at other ways to accommodate this.”

Parish councillors were at the market handing out flyers detailing their concerns over the proposal, along with a questionnaire to gather the views of residents.

The parish council is opposed to the plans as they are outside the area designated for development in Tarporley.

Members also fear that the proposal, together with the Heathfields development and other land previously identified as available for housing, could increase the number of homes in Tarporley by about 20% over the coming years.

They argue that Cheshire West and Chester Council’s draft Rural Housing Strategy says there is a need for just a 12-15% rise and that is over 15 years.

Fox Strategic Land and Property (FLP) is behind the proposal to build between 80 and 100 homes on the 11-acre site owned by well-known Cheshire farming family, the Posnetts.

The developers are holding two public exhibitions this month to provide more details and answer questions, prior to submitting a formal planning application.

They will take place in the Community Centre on Friday, August 19 between 11am and 7pm, and the following day between 10am and 2pm.