HARTFORD Parish Council has hit out at a major housing development which is earmarked for the village, claiming it will add to the ‘already severe traffic congestion’.

The application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by Redrow proposes to build 258 new houses in The Hollies off School Lane.

The original application suggested building 276 houses but this was rejected due to road safety concerns.

The applicant, in the plans submitted to CWAC, said: “The traditional aesthetic of proposed homes creates a development mix that sits well within the site and local context in terms of scaling and appearance.

“The scheme utilises the development area in the most efficient way and still provides excellent quality spacious living and amenity space including areas of public open space which allow for green infrastructure to infiltrate all of the development parcels.”

Hartford Parish Council has objected to the application for a number of reasons including road safety and the impact it could have on infrastructure.

A spokesman for the parish council said: “The community was told that this would alleviate the traffic problems seen in Hartford at peak times of the day.

“However, traffic has increased since the developments began, leading to the conclusion that the promised travel measures have not been successful.

“Supporting CWaC concerns in its transport strategy, regarding severe levels of school related congestion, Hartford Parish Council object to this application on traffic and road safety grounds.

“This is due to the impact this proposed development will have on the exit route for additional traffic onto School Lane, and the already severe traffic congestion experienced at peak times of the day, which has greatly increased since the previous application due to the number of new properties in Hartford and the surrounding area.

“The future capacity of the road network is of concern due to the number of substantial developments planned or currently under construction.”

Hartford Parish Council also objects to the application because of the effect that further development in the village will have on its infrastructure.

This includes the basic physical and organisational structure and facilities to include parking, traffic, safety, bus services, schools, medical and other services.