OUTLINE plans for more than 160 dwellings and a medical centre on land between Elton and Ince led to objections from neighbours and petitions on both sides of the issue.
The application, including 25% affordable housing, was made by Eveida International on a site at Bare Brick House, Station Road, Ince.
The vacant site was previously a Second World War Army camp and later a caravan park.
It is close to heavy industry, villages and farmland with the access road to the new resource recovery park, Quinn Glass and the Ellesmere Port to Warrington railway line nearby.
The glass manufacturer is also proposing to build a warehouse extension and a rail freight terminal, planners pointed out.
A previous application for residential development was rejected in 1988, although 20 years later plans were agreed for the creation of a new access for housing.
Ince Parish Council objected, referring to the previous refusal and pointing out the development would almost double the size of the village. It believed this would be overdevelopment and the increased traffic using Pool Lane and Station Road would be unacceptable to residents.
Elton Parish Council had no objections as affordable housing was a priority.
Environmental protection specialists at the borough council argued it was ‘far from clear’ the development would not result in further complaints about industrial odours.
Strategic planners pointed out the site was within a hazard consultation zone and the views of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would need to be taken into consideration.
The education authority asked for a £20,000 contribution toward the cost of accommodating increased numbers of primary school age children at Elton Primary School.
The HSE advised against the granting of permission on safety grounds.
Publicity for the application led to five objections from neighbours and a 74-signature petition. A petition submitted by the applicant had 161 signatures in favour.
The application was recommended for refusal as the homes would be close to hazardous installations and there were possible noise issues. The borough council agreed permission should be withheld.
