LAND in Winnington Village which residents claim was supposed to be kept as open space looks set for 89 new homes.

Barratt Homes wants to build 12 two-bedroom apartments, eight two-bedroom houses, 56 three-bedroom houses and 13 four-bedroom homes on land off Rosemary Drive.

Cheshire West and Chester Council received 25 objections to the plans, with many residents telling the local authority that they were told the land would remain as a wooded area.

But ahead of a crucial planning committee meeting next week, officers are recommending the scheme gets the green light.

In a report issued ahead of the meeting, officers said: "Many of the objections from residents in the recently developed adjoining residential areas refer to being told that the land the subject of the current application was to remain as an open space.

"Any statements made by or on behalf of the housebuilder at the time are outside the scope of consideration in terms of the current planning application."

Officers said that while the land had not been earmarked for housing by the council, it had been recognised as employment land.

But a review in February 2017 concluded that employers were unlikely to come forward with plans to develop the site.

Barratt has also argued that it would not be viable to provide the required 30 per cent affordable housing, so the development is set for 13 affordable properties instead – less than 15 per cent.

In its planning statement, Barratt said: "The proposed developments will provide 89 new homes in a range of types and sizes to meet the local area need."

Should the scheme be approved, Barratt will be required to contribute £130,000 towards a pedestrian and cycle link from Winnington Village to Moss Farm, plus £94,500 towards recreation facilities, £59,500 to education provision, £42,000 to the NHS and £24,000 towards woodland planting elsewhere.