PLANS to create one of Chester's largest fisheries have come up against opposition from residents and councillors.
Alec Pickering, who owns one small fishery, hopes to build four lakes, with 250 fishing pegs, on his land in Dodleston.
The entrepreneur believes the develop-ment will bring a much-needed economic boost to the village.
But residents and councillors are unhappy with the prospect of additional traffic on the roads. Mr Pickering's proposals include four lakes taking up 12 acres, supporting newt ponds, a car park for 50 cars, two wooden outbuildings and road access from Church Road.
Mr Pickering, a former dairy farmer, who has 200 acres of redundant land, commissioned a 30-page environmental report into the project, carried out by former Environment Agency fisheries officer Dr Brian Hodgson.
Mr Pickering said the fishery would be open to everyone but would not put a strain on the roads.
"It's a recreational thing,' he said. "We are catering for families, disabled people and retired people. At peak traffic times, there will not be hundreds of people coming into the site."
But parish councillor Arthur Hughes fears the plans will get out of hand. "This is only a small start to a larger project. When we were on the site, Mr Pickering said he would like to see 500 people there."
He is urging anyone with concerns to take heed of the March 28 planning deadline for objections.
