DEVELOPERS hope to start work next year on 130 new village homes – 35% of which will be affordable.

The move follows a decision to grant unanimous approval to Taylor Wimpey for outline plans to develop on land at Tarporley Road, Tarvin.

The fields are designated as open countryside but are surrounded on all sides by roads or other development, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s strategic planning committee heard.

There have been ‘extensive’ consultations with the community and the housing mix will provide for differing needs with around two thirds of the new build being two and three bed semis, according to a report.

Nearly 50 of the homes will be affordable.

Tarvin Parish Council accepted there was a shortage of housing, particularly in the rural area but believed the development should meet a number of concerns.

It asked for the scheme to complement and enhance the setting and character of the village and its conservation area and to deal with traffic congestion and a shortage of parking on the high street and Church Street.

There were 30 objections arguing the use of the fields would be contrary to planning policy and the development would increase the size of Tarvin by too much in one go with unacceptable demands on the village infrastructure and services.

The application was recommended for approval.

Objector Cllr David Cotgreave said he opposed the use of productive agricultural land.

Agent Carol Clarke of Manchester based HOW Planning said the development had changed ‘significantly’ as a result of the consultations and pointed out the developers would make a substantial contribution to highway improvements in the village apart from £180,000 for Tarvin Primary School and other benefits.

Referring to drainage concerns, development planning manager Miss Fiona Edwards said there were no objections from United Utilities or the Environment Agency although she understood the concerns of local people.

Following the meeting, Taylor Wimpey said there had been ‘overwhelming’ community support for the plans.

New facilities would include a village green, a children’s play area and the extension and enhancement of Tarvin’s community woodland.

The developers intend to submit a detailed planning application this year with work starting on site in 2013.