UP to 78 homes could now be built on the Greedy Pig site in Winsford – where developers recently unveiled plans to open a KFC and Starbucks.

Lane End Developments is behind two planning applications for the site between New Road and the Weaver Navigation – where the Greedy Pig was demolished in 2013.

It submitted plans with Cheshire West and Chester Council in August for 46 affordable homes, along with a KFC drive-thru and a Starbucks cafe.

Those plans are still being considered by the council – but now the developer has proposed a separate scheme that could see up to 32 homes built alongside the original 46, instead of the KFC and Starbucks.

In its planning application, Lane End Developments said: “[The first] application was submitted on August 23, 2019, proposing a mixed-use development on this site.

“There have been discussions with [senior planning officer] Steven Holmes of CWAC thereafter, where it has been agreed that the site would be better suited to a full residential proposal.

“We have therefore been advised to submit a ‘hybrid’ planning permission application, consisting of both a full planning application for site ‘A’ and an outline planning application for site ‘B’.

“Both applications are for full residential schemes, compromising of much needed affordable housing in the area.”

Plans for the affordable homes are the same in both schemes – including 36 apartments and 10 semi-detached properties – on the side of the site furthest from Wharton Road roundabout.

More detailed proposals for the remainder of the land – known as site ‘B’ – would come forward in a new ‘reserved matters’ application if this current planning application is approved.

Talk of KFC and Starbucks moving onto the site caused a mixed reaction on the Guardian’s Facebook page when it was first reported – with some readers welcoming the move.

But Winsford Labour Group issued a statement insisting its members would challenge the proposals – insisting the original scheme did not ‘fit with the aspirational nature’ of Winsford’s neighbourhood plan and would cause health problems.

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“We will be supporting community efforts in opposing this and feel that it undersells Winsford,” the statement said.

Lane End Developments has been approached for comment.