Public urged to have say on 850 homes plan

A PUBLIC consultation on a massive controversial housing development in Runcorn has been extended, with a Green councillor urging residents to make their feelings known.

Government agency Homes England is working with Halton Council to deliver two new outline planning applications for land at Sandymoor South and Wharford Farm which could pave the way for up to 850 new homes.

The proposals, which would be on greenfield land, have sparked controversy, with the area’s MP Mike Amesbury recently stating “enough is enough” in relation to the size and scope of development in East Runcorn.

Now due to the amount of local interest, Homes England has extended its public consultation until the end of October.

Cllr Andrew Dyer, the borough’s fist Green Party councillor who represents Daresbury, Moore and Sandymoor, said he had met with Mr Amesbury and was putting together a petition.

Posting on his Facebook page, he said: “Just to be clear, I’m not anti-house building, but they need to be the right houses (low carbon), in the right areas and affordable for the people that need them. “Sandymoor and the surrounding areas has had enough development for a bit and other areas need to share the ‘opportunity’ of new housing.”

A Homes England spokeswoman, said: “As the Government’s housing delivery agency, our role is to ensure more people in England have access to homes in well-designed places.

“That’s why we are working closely with

Halton Borough Council to deliver its Local Plan, building on our successful delivery of homes and infrastructure in Sandymoor to date.

“We are proposing up to 850 new high quality homes, including up to 120 affordable homes.”

She added: “These sites have long been identified for housing, forming allocations in the adopted Halton Local Plan since 2005.

“Under our plans, the scheme will create local jobs and provide infrastructure such as new roads and generous green spaces.

“We are consulting on our proposals and will continue to engage with the community, local authorities and other partners.”

● Views can be submitted at hiveland.co.uk/ consultations/sandymoorandwharford.