A FORMER Tory group leader on Chester City Council has criticised her successors for not supporting the community over a proposed housing development.

Farndon Parish Council chair Sue Rowlandson had hoped Tory-led Cheshire West and Chester Council would listen to concerns by rejecting a 46-home scheme on a green field site in Farndon.

But the ex-city council opposition leader said the Conservative group ‘went along with’ the officers’ recommendation to approve the scheme.

Cllr Rowlandson said: “I have to say I am not impressed with the performance of the Conservative group locally. I am disappointed we did not receive more support than we did from the group.”

Cllr Rowlands is concerned at plans by Wycherley Properties, owners of Mollington-based Bell Developments, to build 46 homes on farm land in Sibbersfield Lane, Farndon, adding that two other developers want to build another 70 houses in the open countryside.

She said Tory ward councillor Howard Greenwood supported giving them permission, adding: “He’s only be in the area five minutes!”

The councillor continued: “What added fuel to the flame was the fact the Tory members voted against the applications in Tattenhall against officers recommending approval.”

She said the predominantly Tory electorate of Farndon has been upset by such actions.

After initially agreeing to an interview, Cllr Greenwood has since declined to comment.

However, in his representation on the planning application, he wrote: “We are all aware of the shortage of housing land across the borough and the need to release carefully considered and logical sites in the short term. I think that this is one such site.”

Asked to comment on behalf of the Tory group, deputy leader Cllr Les Ford did ‘not wish to get involved’.

He said: “It is for those members on the planning committee to decide each case on the evidence before them and unless that application is for development in my own ward I have no right to intervene or have a view on the matter.”