NORTHWICH Labour councillors have raised concerns over transport infrastructure after plans were unveiled for a massive new housing development at Winnington Works.

TATA Chemicals Europe and INOVYN Enterprises Limited working in partnership with Gladman Developments Limited are staging a public consultation over proposals to build 1,500 homes, new primary school, employment, retail, leisure and community facilities on the site.

They are seeking feedback from local residents before submitting a planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council. But local councillors say they are ‘astonished’ the consultation does not include transport infrastructure improvements such as a new bridge.

Commenting on the launch of the consultation, Winnington and Castle Cllr Kate Cernik said, “Like local residents, I think we need to see more details on the transport plans so existing residents are assured that this new development will not impact on their lives.”

Fellow Winnington and Castle Cllr Bob Cernik said road infrastructure in Winnington was already at capacity at peak times, adding: “That’s why, through the council, we’ve commissioned a great deal of work looking at how this can be resolved, such as the recent Winnington Corridor Study proposals for a new bridge.

“It could be that a combination of contributions from the developer and the scale of new housing proposed will be enough to unlock funding from national government to make this a reality, but in my view this will need to be in place before any development takes place on this site.

“Frankly, I’m astonished the consultation documents do not cover this aspect at all.”

Leftwich Cllr Andrew Cooper, added, “I hope people will complete the consultation but also that we will be able to stand firm as a community and ensure that we get something that works for all of us.”

Chris Still, senior planning and development director at Gladman, said: “We are aware that Winnington Bridge is a key issue for the local community and we want to support them with this.

“I understand that the council are currently considering options for the bridge and are hoping to submit fully costed proposals to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to secure funding.

“We have engaged with the council with respect to the bridge crossing and will be assessing the implications of development traffic at this location.

“We will continue to work with the Council to support their wider objectives and any funding applications.”

The consultation can be found here.