RESIDENTS have accused the council of backing down in the fight against controversial plans to build 93 homes on land off Ways Green, in Winsford.

Developers, Anwyl, want to build a mixture of two, three and four bedroom houses – 30 per cent would be affordable – but had its application rejected by Cheshire West and Chester Council in March.

At the time the council agreed that the development, earmarked for land behind the Conservative Club, would lead to unacceptable levels of traffic and congestion in the surrounding area.

However, at a two-day public inquiry last week - following Anwyl's appeal, the council revealed it had withdrawn its highways objection and instead would fight the plans on the issue of appearance.

Celia Grant, who lives in Weaver Street, said residents feel hugely let down by the council.

She added: “It feels like a kick in the teeth - what are we fighting for now?

“The council now have no objection to building houses on the site – there wasn’t even any councillors there at the inquiry.

“Local residents have fought for years against this. How can the council just change its attitude so quickly?

“They put themselves in a position where they didn’t have a leg to stand on.”

During the inquiry, the planning inspector heard representations from former Cheshire West and Chester councillor Malcolm Gaskill, residents from Ways Green, Gladstone Street and Weaver Street and Clr Don Beckett.

Speaking against the plans, Clr Beckett said: “This lovely part of the town houses many mature residents of old Winsford who have enjoyed these surroundings and views of the open countryside, running down to the River Weaver, for many years.

“Their lives will be spoilt by this uncalled for development - their lives are already disrupted by heavy traffic which would increase if this development was allowed to go ahead.”

Representing Anwyl, Roger Lancaster said the development would provide much needed housing in the borough.

He also said the appearance of the development would not have a detrimental impact on the streetscene and that the houses will be hidden from view with the planting of trees.

•A final decision is expected in four weeks .