CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 100 homes in a rural community are heading for a public inquiry – to the shock of angry villagers.

Developers Fox Strategic Land and Property (FLP) have lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate claiming Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) has failed to make a decision on the Tarporley plans within the statutory period.

FLP is now calling for a four-day inquiry into the proposed development on land off Nantwich Road.

The written appeal to the Planning Inspectorate states: “The application was validated as complete dated September 7, 2011 and the date for determination was December 7, 2011.

“The appellant contends there is no reason why the application should not have been determined within the statutory timescale and that planning permission ought to be approved.”

Michael George, who spearheads the action group opposing the scheme, says residents are ‘aghast’ at the news.

He added: “The fact that the developers and landowner are prepared to go straight to the National Inspectorate confirms what we have believed all along, that they have no regard for the views of both the local community or the council.

“This development is clearly not wanted. More than 1,000 objections have been lodged against it.”

In its written appeal, FLP states it has confirmation from CWaC some objection letters were ‘not genuine’ – something Mr George challenges.

At the time of going to press, CWaC had yet to respond to the Chronicle’s request for a comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, plans to build 130 homes in Tarvin have moved a step closer.

An outline planning application for the proposed development on land off Tarporley Road has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Developer Taylor Wimpey is behind the scheme, which includes a village green and play area, as well as a link to Tarvin Community Woodland.

The public has until Wednesday, February 1, to have their say on the plans and Tarvin Parish Council, who have no objections in principle to the development, will discuss the matter at its monthly meeting on Monday.

The council is expected to make a decision on the application in March.