OUTLINE plans for three detached houses near land historically used as a coal mine have been called in to the borough’s planning committee.

The application has been made by Mr J Price at 39 Riverside Walk, Neston. The bungalow would be demolished to make way for the new-build.

The green belt dwelling is also set in an area of Special County Value for Landscape and the Dee and Mersey Coastal Zone, according to a report.

The development has been called in by Little Neston and Burton councillor Kay Loch (Con) due to concerns over the potential overdevelopment of the site and ground pollution.

Mr Price originally sought approval for two pairs of semi-detached bungalows, the report stated. He is now proposing the three two-storey dwellings as a continuation of the road.

Neston Town Council has objected, while Neston Civic Society believes the layout should follow the existing style of development along the road.

Environmental protection officers believe the main issue is the potential for contamination, which they are already investigating. They do not believe this poses a risk to residents but feel there is a need for further investigation.

Planners have had 10 objections raising issues from the effect on an ‘extremely well used’ nearby footpath and loss of privacy to traffic and the effect on wildlife. They feel three dwellings would be acceptable and there would be no unduly harmful affect on neighbours. They also point to the shortfall of housing within the borough.

The application was recommended for approval to a meeting of the committee at HQ in Chester at 4pm yesterday (Tuesday).