PLANS to build seven homes off Woodford Lane in Winsford have been rejected by council officers.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has ruled that the site, next to Marshall Memorial Hall, would be too cramped for the proposal put forward by Winsford developer Roland Finney.

The scheme would have included two three-bedroom homes and five two-bedroom homes.

In the planning application, architect Rob Schumacher said: “The proposed development makes best use of disused land with the addition of residential units which will provide much needed private accommodation at the affordable end of the market.

“The use will not impact on the neighbouring residential areas in a negative way. The site’s current empty, neglected state is detrimental to the character of the area.

“The proposal, by using a site near the town centre with access by foot to public transport and local amenities, is in line with sustainable development policies.”

However, four neighbouring properties objected to the scheme, highlighting a loss of green space, traffic concerns and a loss of privacy and light as potential impacts from the scheme.

The developer had originally intended to build eight homes on the site, and following discussions with CWAC officers this was reduced to seven, but the plans were still considered unsuitable.

In a statement published online, CWAC officers said: “The principle of development is appropriate for its location.

READ > Cheshire Police urge residents not to attend illegal raves

“However, it is considered that the plans submitted show the site is not capable of residential development at the density proposed.

“The resulting layout exemplifies a cramped form of development which does not respect nor enhance the character of the area and would fail to provide adequate amenity for existing and future occupiers.”