Motion passed to help protect ‘Winsford Flashes for future generations’

The ongoing debate of the development of land surrounding the Winsford Flashes was reignited at the last full Cheshire West and Chester Council meeting before the general election.

Winsford Town and CWAC councillor, Brian Clarke, gave his full backing to the Save Winsford Flashes petition, which has received 1675 signatures.

Cllr Clarke proposed a motion recommending that development will only take place around the Flashes using the guidelines set out in the Winsford Neighbourhood Plan.

“I welcome and accept the petition as it enforces the decision made by the people of Winsford when they voted in favour of the Winsford Neighbourhood Plan,” Cllr Clarke said.

However former Liberal Democrat councillor, Malcolm Gaskell, urged the council to ‘give serious consideration to removing the allocation of the 94 houses from around the Winsford Flashes’.

Mr Gaskell said: “Those 94 houses represent less than 3% that the number of houses Winsford has to allocate for in the next 15 years, really it’s a no-brainer.”

Earlier this month, a proposed 240-home development at Ways Green, adjacent to the Flashes, was refused by the planning officer through delegated powers.

A revised application of up to 142 homes will go before CWAC’s Planning Committee after it was refused by Winsford Town Council’s Planning Committee.

Cllr Clarke added: “Any suggestion that part of the plan should now be withdrawn or removed flies in the democratic process that took place with the referendum to give effect to this key strategy that supports the town’s future prosperity while protecting and enhancing the environment.”

The entire council bar Liberal Democrat councillor for Eddisbury and Weaver Vale, Cllr Robert Thomson, voted in favour of the motion.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Lynda Jones, executive member for growth and innovation and chair of the Neighbourhood Plan steering group.

Cllr Jones, said: “I’m delighted to be able to second the motion brought to us tonight by Cllr Brian Clarke. I too welcome the petition.

“The River Weaver and the Flashes are Winsford’s best natural asset and are not only highly valued by the local population, but that value is reiterated by the town council and Cheshire West and Chester.

“I hope that residents now feel more confident in the regeneration of our town and the future possibilities that will be created to enhance one of Winsford’s best assets.”