A PUBLIC inquiry is to be sought over plans for an £8m retirement village in Tattenhall.

The proposed development in open countryside at Frog Hall Farm, which will cater for over 65s and create more than 80 jobs, has been given the green light by Cheshire West and Chester councillors.

The decision is subject to approval by secretary of state Eric Pickles MP.

But an action group says it intends to ask Mr Pickles to call a public inquiry as it claims that villagers are not being listened to.

More than 70% of households responding to a survey were opposed to the size of the development which would see a total of 166 units offering a range of care, Tattenhall Action Group claims.

Of the total, 20 units would be affordable. There would be nomination rights for local people and over 65s would be able to use the on-site facilities.

Spokesperson Leanne Wheeler, who addressed councillors at the strategic planning committee, said: “We are concerned a lengthy and detailed objection document including a traffic report prepared by an expert and the petition/survey of Tattenhall residents, were seemingly ignored.

“The group is concerned that this application is being rushed through before the Localism Bill becomes law and thus is denying the people of Tattenhall a say in what happens in their village.”

Apart from calling for an inquiry, the group is asking people to write to Mr Pickles if they feel their views have not been taken into account.

A total of 120 objections poured into the council opposing the development.

There were also 15 letters backing the scheme.

Supporting the project, local councillor Cllr Mike Jones (Con, Broxton), said there was a ‘massive demand’ for care schemes for the elderly.

He pointed out that older people faced the prospect of having to move away from their friends and family if facilities were not available.

Objectors believe the size of the village will be too large in the rural location and there will be traffic congestion and safety issues.

The development is proposed by the Bolesworth Estate and home builders Seddon.

Diana Barbour, managing director at Bolesworth, says the overwhelming support from councillors is the ‘culmination of over five years of hard work’.

“It was important to be able to address the board on the day and highlight the significant level of public support following our two-day consultation event last year,” she added.

David Norbury