Development would be a positive move

From the Guardian Series, first published Wednesday 6th Oct 2004.

THE agents behind a controversial planning proposal in Cuddington have taken steps to reassure residents about their fears over the development.

As reported in last week's Guardian, Manchester-based agents HOW Commercial Planning Consultants has submitted an outline proposal for a housing and business development on a 17-acre site between the A556 Chester Road and the A49 Forest Road.

The outline plan includes 28 units for affordable housing with space for 26 cars, a pub, family restaurant, a 40-bedroom hotel and eight business units covering an estimated 80,000sqm.

The proposal has outraged residents and the parish council has decided to recommend refusal for the development

But a spokesman for HOW, which submitted the outline proposal to Vale Royal Borough Council on behalf of Osbourne Trust Ltd, wanted to reassure residents that the development was a positive move for the village.

Andy Frost, senior planner at HOW, said the development would provide much needed employment and affordable housing in the area.

He said: "It's not unexpected and we understand people's reactions to a scheme of this nature, but we do feel there is a strong policy case for the development."

He said it was important to stress at this stage the proposal was an 'indicative outline' and said designers had tried to be sympathetic in their approach.

He added the company was keen to hear from residents and would do its best to address any issues highlighted by the public.

He said: "We are looking to hear what people are saying in the area and will take all views into account. We are expecting a decision by November 19 but we are interested in any residents' comments in the meantime.

"Where we can refine the scheme we will do, it is not set in stone."

gsproston@guardiangrp.co.uk

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