CHESHIRE MPs have now added their voices to the fight against development plans on Northwich playing fields, saying ‘it simply can’t be allowed to happen’.
Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and Tatton MP Esther McVey are backing campaigners after HBV Northwich Ltd and Griffiths Park Land Ltd lodged a planning application for 46 houses and a 66-bed care home at St John’s Playing Fields, Griffiths Park, Rudheath.
The community is rallying together to stop the plans, with a fundraising page being set up, a celebrity football match being organised, and an application being submitted to protect the site by listing it as an Asset of Community Value.
Ms McVey attended a meeting last night (February 14) with Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Rudheath ward councillor Helen Treeby where residents were able to air their views.
Cllr Treeby said: “I made sure the application had been called in, which means it will be heard before the full planning committee.
“I also asked for an extension to the consultation period because of the inadequate publication of the application as many people were unaware of it.
“I am really concerned about the loss of playing fields and the loss of green space for the residents of Rudheath.”
Conservative MP Ms McVey added: “I am hugely concerned this application has come forward for building on one of the very few green spaces in Rudheath.
“Chester West and Chester Council already have fewer playing pitches than they should under government legislation and this application will result in one fewer if the council pass it.
“I am working with Helen as the local ward councillor to raise the profile of the issue to make sure residents are aware of it and I encourage everyone to make their views known as part of the consultation, and I will obviously be making representation myself.”
Labour MP Mr Amesbury also pointed out access to the green space was cited when Nuvu Development Ltd was granted planning permission for 380 homes on the adjacent former Wade Works site last year.
He said: “Against that background, giving permission for this scheme would be literally and metaphorically moving the goalposts.
“It’s unacceptable and simply can’t be allowed to happen.”
A celebrity football match between stars from Hollyoaks and Emmerdale and the Matilda Foundation FC will be played at Griffiths Park on May 7, with all funds going towards saving the playing fields.
Rudheath parish councillor Olwyn Dean, chair of The Friends of Griffiths Park, said: “We’re trying to raise the profile of the football pitch, having been told by the developers that it’s not used.
“It’s actually a full-sized football pitch and two youth teams play on it!”
Fellow parish councillor Andy Hancock said the under-threat football pitch has been used by several youth teams including the 1874 Northwich FC, Northwich Victoria FC and Davenham Junior Football Club.
Explaining there were no nearby alternative facilities, he added: “It’s more than just a football pitch, it’s a community open space.”
A letter submitted by planning consultants Avison Young in support of the development said: “The high-quality housing will contribute towards and identified need for affordable dwellings within the local authority and will be supported by appropriate car parking and landscaping.”
To view or comment on the application visit the council’s planning portal here and search for 22/04436/FUL.
To view and comment on the Asset of Community Value application, search for 22/04282/ACV.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel