PLANS to build up to 24 new properties in Kelsall would be a mistake - s ay villagers.
Proposals by Rowland Homes to develop homes across two sites at Fieldgate in Willington Lane, have been opposed by some of the residents living nearby to the proposed development, who claim the housing plans have ‘no relevance’ to Kelsall.
The planning application would see 10-12 large detached houses complete with double garages and car parking, built on land off Willington Lane, as well as 12 mews cottages that would be available on an ‘affordable’ shared ownership scheme, just off Green Lane.
If the development goes ahead, it would bring an increased amount of traffic to a junction already considered an accident blackspot.
Architect John Moorhouse whose eco-house lies right in the middle of the two sites, on the corner of Green Lane and Willington Lane, is angry that the ‘beautiful country lane’ he moved to two years ago could be dominated by an influx of houses.
“I develop houses for a living so I am not against affordable housing developments being built, but this one is so ill-thought out and very inappropriate.
“The developers are trying to cram as many houses as they can,” said Mr Moorhouse, who is also a governor of Kelsall Primary School.
“They think the green land where they want to put all these houses is unused but it actually helps to soak up heavy rainfall, avoiding flooding.
“As well as the traffic issues and the fact that the wonderful views of the Welsh mountains would be taken away, there are big issues with the primary school too,” he added.
“The school is already oversubscribed and the nearest school is Delamere which is almost full itself.
“I think they probably could produce one good development, preferably on Willington Lane, but doing it on both sites will contribute absolutely nothing to Kelsall.”
Residents who have previously expressed concerns about the development were sent letters from Rowland, addressing their key issues and revealed that the Green Lane site proposal had been reduced from 14 to nine houses, including three bungalows for over-55s.
The developers also said they intended to impose traffic calming measures on Green Lane and move the school bus stop closer to the Church Lane junction in a bid to reduce the number of children using Green Lane.
But Kelsall parish councillor Anne Britton, who lives on Green Lane and has declared a prejudicial interest, said: “In my personal opinion, Rowland’s suggestion of putting traffic calming measures to me is not sensible. Tractors are up and down that road every day.”
“I understand the need for affordable housing in Cheshire but Rowland putting big homes on one site and affordable on the other, to me is not mixed tenure.
Mrs Britton added: “If they feel a need for affordable houses in Kelsall then a reasonable development on Willington Lane might be an asset, but not the Green Lane one.”
Rowland Homes were unavailable to comment at the time The Chronicle went to press.
An open meeting to discuss the application is at Kelsall Community Centre on Monday, December 5 at 7.30pm.
