OUTLINE plans for up to 265 new homes and a 72-bed care home in the borough’s green belt are due to be decided tomorrow (Thursday).

The application, which has led to more than 200 objections and a petition with more than 100 signatures, has been put forward by Burford Delta at the former Royal Ordnance factory site on Hooton Road, Hooton.

It includes car parking, landscaping, a play area and open space.

Almost 70 of the homes would be affordable. There is also the possibility a further 25 dwellings could be provided on a separate area of land fronting Hooton Road which is in different ownership,

A separate application would see the Hooton Village Memorial Hall on Waterworks Lane demolished and replaced with a new community hall.

A report points out the site at present employs between 50 and 60 people, although the proposed care home would provide up to 70 jobs.

Objectors have raised 50 main issues, while there have been 16 letters in support.

It is argued the local population would increase by 1,000 and the development would be too large and out of keeping with the rural character of nearby villages.

Increased congestion and traffic would be detrimental to Willaston and Hooton, it is claimed, and doctors, schools, dentists and shops would not be able to deal with the increased population.

Both schemes have been recommended for approval.

Permission for the main application, on the basis there are very special circumstances and the benefits are ‘highly compelling’, is subject to almost 60 conditions and two legal agreements with views being required from the Secretary of State.