A PLANNING application to build up to 370 houses in Centurion Way in Middlewich has faced strong opposition from residents who are questioning whether the town can handle the development.

A resident from White Park said: “More houses means more need for schools, doctors, dentists, parks, social facilities.

“We are already lacking these facilities in Middlewich. How will adding another 370 dwellings resolve this?

“Centurion Way becomes gridlocked when anything happens on the M6 and therefore to add a further 370 houses is only going to add to this problem along with the extra pollution that comes with it.”

It will come as no surprise to those of you who follow the decision making process of Cheshire East that traffic assessment for these plans stated that the development would have a minimal impact on traffic.

The residents of Stanneylands Road in Wilmslow fought down to the wire to prevent a similar development in their neighbourhood knowing first-hand the traffic chaos that already exists and the danger it creates for road users and residents.

It was inconceivable that another large development would not further exacerbate the problem. The plan, of course, was approved.

Fence Avenue in Macclesfield is one of the most congested roads in town and plans for over 300 new homes in the immediate vicinity were met with astonishment by local residents who attended every public meeting and articulated their case with great clarity. Result: Plans were approved.

The same story can be retold by residents of Knutsford, Congleton and just about any other town in Cheshire East. Public consultations, the results of which are totally ignored, air quality data ‘deliberately manipulated’ to show minimum impact followed by full approval from Cheshire East Planning.

So how can a council that claims to represent the views and concerns of its residents so consistently override public opinion?

Their motive certainly isn’t to solve the housing problems of desperate families struggling to get on the housing ladder as less than 10 per cent of the houses planned fall under the ‘affordable homes’ banner.

Cheshire East claims its hands are tied by Government – the same party to which they belong. So here’s the question? If CEC cannot act on behalf of the residents they represent why are they in office?

If they are simply puppets of central government why not cut out the impotent middle-layer and communicate directly with Westminster or is it just convenient for CEC to blame others?

If there is a town out there that believes CEC acted in accordance with the results of their public consultation do let me know.

I know of none but maybe you’ll surprise me.

Alternatively you could surprise Cheshire East Council by throwing them out of office on May 2, 2019.