A 75-BED care home for the elderly and a housing development looks likely to be built on school fields in Chester.

Residents have expressed concern that playing fields will be lost at Highfield Primary School, Blacon, cutting green space and school facilities.

Cheshire County Council has already backed a Private Finance Initiative to build 433 units across Ellesmere Port, Winsford, Middlewich, Crewe, and Handforth. But the council admits that no suitable site was identified when these homes were given the green light 12 months ago.

Now the headteacher, John Evans, has given his blessing along with governors for the plans which will cut surplus space at the school.

Mike Clishan, a Blacon resident speaking at a One Voice for Blacon meeting where council property officers revealed illustrations and plans for the site, attacked the proposals.

He said: “I would like to know how you can justify building on a huge swathe of school playing fields. We’ve heard the population is doubling and we’re talking about an unhealthy population of children that needs exercise.”

Kath Evans, of Highfield Residents Association, said: “I’ve gone to the school for 51 years but if that goes it would be terrible.”

But county Cllr Brendan Doyle, Labour Community Services spokesman, said more extra care facilities were needed to suit an ageing population.

He added the development would house some infant and junior school facilities.

“This is part of the first wave to hit Blacon and will not quite cover the total need in Blacon at this stage,” he said.

“But there will be five or 10 waves countywide and more should come to Blacon and Chester later.”

l The Cheshire County Council continues to review its proposal to shut its Lightfoot Lodge facility for the elderly in Hoole and will discuss its findings in the New Year.