ANTI-Social behaviour could return to an area of Winsford if a proposed housing development goes ahead – the town council have warned.

United Utilities Property Services want to create 26 homes on land opposite Greenfields Primary School in Whitby’s Lane.

The council say the development would provide access to a patch of land that was blighted by anti-social behaviour a ‘gating order’ sealed the area off.

A town council spokesman said: “In 2010 the town council, in partnership with CWAC and the police, were successful in obtaining the first gating order in the area, to reduce the then high level of anti-social behaviour in the Whitby’s Lane and Pinewood Road area.

“The order has proved extremely successful, but this development would again ‘open up’ the area and, in the council’s opinion, could result in a return of anti-social behaviour.”

Nearby residents opposing the scheme on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning website have also raised the issue.

Pinewood Road resident, Paul Jackson, said: “We had to fight to close the pathway at the rear of pinewood road which was a long and drawn out affair, this in tandem immediately ceased all anti social behaviour in this area.

“The police were regular visitors here up until the pathway was closed and as far as I know the police have never been back here for any anti social behaviour.”

Numerous other local residents attest to the anti-social behaviour having been ‘eradicated’ by the land becoming inaccessible.

Elsewhere, the town council and residents raise concerns about the increase of traffic in the area.

United Utilities Property Services argue that the development is sustainable, in keeping with the landscape and contributes to new housing requirements for the area.

Find the planning application at pa.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk under the reference 14/03354/OUT or click on this link.