MIDDLEWICH could soon have a population explosion to the south after massive plans to build almost 350 homes on farmland off Warmingham Lane were given the green light.

Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning committee has approved two housing schemes for Pettywood Farm.

The decision was made despite warnings from Middlewich councillor Paul Edwards that the town would not be able to cope.

“This adds significant traffic to an already congested site,” he said.

“I want highways to come back with a proper plan with how to deal with that.”

“It’s a straight run with vehicles going 100mph. That might be an exaggeration but it’s not far off.”

The blueprints include 194 homes to be built by Gladman Developments and 149 homes by Bellway Homes with 30 per cent affordable housing on both.

Figures have yet to be confirmed but the applicants will also spend money on traffic calming in Warmingham Lane and improvements to Kinderton Street’s junctions with Leadsmithy Street and King Street.

Clr Edwards, who voted against both proposals, said that investment was desperately needed on the surrounding roads that the new residents would also be using.

He added: “We’ve had a number of accidents in Cledford Lane but there’s no plans for improvements there.

“A motorcyclist lost his legs in Booth Lane and this traffic will impact on that road significantly.

“Parts of Booth Lane are 40mph and I’ve asked that to be put back to 30mph.”

The Pettywood Farm site is outside of Middlewich’s settlement zone and ‘significantly fails’ to meet minimum standard for amenities such as a medical centre, secondary school and leisure facilities.

But the applicants between them will be paying £420,245 towards high school provision.

Clr Edwards, of Northwood Avenue, said: “Is this really a sustainable site? There’s very little that meets accessibility standards.

“Everybody needs to drive to get to the services they need.”

Claire Blundell, of nearby Davenham Way, added: “I'm incredibly frustrated by this planning approval - I feel failed as a resident.

“We try hard as a family to be involved in our community's key decisions, events and societies but our genuine, relevant concerns aren't being listened to.

“Our town can not meet the needs of its current residents, never mind more.”