CONTROVERSIAL housing plans for land at Grappenhall Heys have been rejected.

The Homes and Communities Agency, which has been replaced by Homes England, had blueprints for three schemes in south Warrington approved in 2017.

Outline proposals for 180 properties on land in Stretton, bounded by Pewterspear Green Road and Stretton Road, as well as 370 at Appleton Cross and 400 at Grappenhall Heys, were passed.

But reserved matters applications for the first phases of the Grappenhall Heys scheme, 1a and 1b, have been refused.

The reserved matters part of the planning process requires the applicant to submit detailed proposals over the scale, layout, access and appearance of the development.

Phase 1a comprises development of 66 homes and associated development on the land south of Astor Drive, east of Lichfield Avenue and south of Witherwin Avenue, while phase 1b comprises development of up to 114 homes.

Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall) welcomed the decision.

He said: “Having seen the plans for phase 1 of Grappenhall Heys, I shared residents’ deep concerns that the developments lacked sensitivity to existing homes and showed poor levels of design and sustainability.

“As such, it is a relief that planning officers have refused the plans.

“I now hope that, having failed to consult before now, developers will start a dialogue with residents and councillors and come up with a better design which will complement Grappenhall Heys and provide good homes for the area.”

One resident who objected to the phase 1b application expressed fears over services and traffic in the south of the town.

She added: “Parking is a nightmare, congestion is constant.

“You want to add to this and yet no offering of other amenities, facilities to help accommodate these extra people, cars.

“Quality of life will be depleted in an area where people are willing to pay premium prices for homes – that will change and people will leave.

“Council tax rises every year, what are we receiving to make us feel we too are getting something extra? Nothing.”