THE closing date for comments regarding a controversial planning application for up to 215 homes in Winsford has now closed – though objections will still be heard.

The proposals, which earmark farmland off Rilshaw Lane, were resubmitted in March after being thrown out by the Strategic Planning Committee last November.

Planning officers recommended Gladman Developments’ original planning application for refusal because it represented 'piecemeal development'.

Piecemeal development is where developers try to push through their entire development in pieces rather than as a whole.

While the April 8 date to submit comments has now closed, a CWAC spokesman confirmed that further comments will still be considered.

The spokesman said: “Any comments submitted after the closing date will be received and considered before the application is determined.”

Last month, the application was recommended for refusal by Winsford Town Council on the grounds a masterplan, as outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan, had not been submitted.

A number of residents – from Rilshaw Lane and other areas – have also submitted objections to the revised application.

Melanie Bratt, of Rilshaw Lane, said: “I strongly object to the outlined development of 215 dwellings of Rilshaw Lane Winsford.

“I have lived in Winsford all my life and am extremely disappointed and concerned about the amount of new housing developments being proposed on greenfield sites when there are better suited brownfield sites available.”

Fellow Rilshaw Lane resident, Stephanie Hefferan, said: “Rilshaw Lane and the existing access points simply cannot support the increased amount of traffic."

“It is my genuine belief that the additional number of vehicles is unsustainable and a significant increased hazard to residents and lane users.”

Anne Bradley, of Elmwood Grove, also expressed concerns at the increased traffic the development would cause.

Ms Bradley said: “I live opposite the proposed development and have to travel each morning to Macclesfield to work.

“The congestion is already unacceptable and the roads are inadequate for the amount of traffic from the numerous residential estates as well as the traffic leading to the M6 morning and evening.”

The next strategic planning meeting is due to take place on May 28, though it has not been confirmed if Gladman Developments’ application will be reviewed on that date.