Residents rally against homes plan (From Northwich Guardian)

Residents rally against homes plan in Moulton

8:30am Friday 19th October 2012 in News

RESIDENTS are rallying against plans for a new housing estate in Moulton.

Villagers fear that proposals could see more than 230 new homes built on 20 acres of land off Beehive Lane and Barnside Way – increasing the size of the village by about 30 per cent.

But the company behind the proposals, Richborough Estates, said current plans are for 150 houses.

Residents have set up an action group called Moulton Matters and are establishing working groups to look into different aspects of the plans, which are at a very early stage.

Moulton Parish Council said it was waiting for more information before deciding on action of its own.

Clr Tony Rigby, chairman, said: “We’re still in a position with Richborough Estates where there isn’t an application on the table.

“At this stage it’s still theory and conjecture and it’s better to wait until we find out the details and then make sure everyone’s aware.”

But Clr Rigby said the council would be prepared to spread the word wider than Moulton.

“With the size of this potential development it’s not just about Moulton and Davenham but has bigger connotations,” he said.

A public consultation is being organised and Richborough Estates, a company that specialises in identifying land for residential and commercial development, hopes to submit a planning application before Christmas.

Karl Parkinson, director of Richborough Estates, told the Guardian that the two different numbers given for houses that could be built, 234 and 150, relate to the traffic capacity of the Summerfield Drive and Main Road junction.

“The existing estate comprising Barnside Way and Summerfield Drive totals 66 and the total capacity for the junction is 300, leaving a total of 234 residual units that can be served from one access point,” he said.

“However, after conducting a number of surveys across the site, our latest proposal involves approximately 150 units.”

He said the site was chosen after land research throughout west Chester and the landowner was willing to participate in site promotion.

He added: “The site is in a sustainable location near to the village centre supported by amenities and local public transport.

“The local authority cannot demonstrate a five-year housing supply, so housing sites are in demand throughout Cheshire West and Chester.

“Furthermore, Moulton is a popular place and we plan to deliver a mix of family and affordable housing for those people seeking a village existence.”