A SMALL group of villagers have raised their concerns over the proposed housing and sports development at Brook Farm in Tarporley.
The residents, who live on Brook Road and nearby, urged the parish council to ask for a delay on the sale of the old Brook Farm School site so other options can be explored.
Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC), who own the land, have set a deadline of March 2013 for its sale, with market value housing earmarked for the site.
As part of the proposed scheme, and following discussions with the parish council, CWaC has bought an option on land directly opposite the school site with the aim of providing five acres of sports facilities for the community and affordable homes.
However, concerned villagers speaking during the parish council meeting on Monday feel the plans are being rushed.
One resident said it would be a ‘travesty’ if the option of providing offices or industrial space for start-up businesses on the Brook Farm site was not explored, especially as CWaC has outlined employment land use as a key priority.
Councillors Gill Clough and James Blackford welcomed the input, with the latter supporting the provision of office space.
The council agreed it was something they could put forward to CWaC for consideration.
With the possibility of 100 homes being built on land off Nantwich Road, the residents argued there should be a delay on the sale of Brook Farm until the inspector has ruled on that proposal as the increased amount of housing from both schemes would be unsustainable.
However, the parish council did not agree. Members felt it would make no difference to CWaC’s intentions and could have an adverse effect on their chance to deliver sports facilities for the village.
