DEVELOPERS have been dealt a ‘bloody nose’ by the huge level of opposition to controversial plans to build 100 homes in Tarporley.

That was the view of parish councillor James Blackford as members met on Monday night to discuss the outline planning application submitted by Fox Strategic Land and Property (FLP).

Councillors were unanimous in their opposition to the proposed development on the 11-acre site off Nantwich Road and will now register a formal objection.

Cllr Blackford said: “The major thrust of our antipathy to it is it breaks the local plan.”

He believes it’s vital a strong case is put forward in opposition to the application, adding residents had already dealt FLP a ‘bloody nose’ by submitting over 1,000 objections.

“We want them to think this is going to be hard to get through even if we go to appeal,” explained Cllr Blackford.

“They may think twice about going to appeal which is an expensive business.”

Cllr Gill Clough told the meeting she was opposed to ‘high quality agricultural land being developed on’, while Cllr Graham Lees questioned whether the affordable housing on offer would be just that.

He said: “What we need in Tarporley is low cost housing and there is no mention of low cost housing in the plans.”

Prior to the meeting starting, resident Michael George – spokesman for the action group Tarporley Greenfield Awareness Project – told members about 1,150 objections had been lodged, 700 of which were from the Tarporley area and another 200 from across the county.

He said the rest had come from people outside the area who attend the country markets or have family and friends living in the village.

Cheshire West and Chester Council are expected to make a decision on the application in December.