RESIDENTS have called for more consultation on plans to change the road layout on Manchester Road.

The move came as councillors approved initial plans for Morris Homes to build 220 new homes on the former Bruche Police Training Centre, on Greenway.

But people who live along Greenway packed out the development management committee on Thursday to voice their concerns not about the housing development but the proposed road changes to accommodate the new scheme.

Under the traffic proposals Manchester Road would be scaled back to one lane by Greenway from two and the creation of a right turning lane on to Greenway for westbound traffic on Manchester Road.

But Jackie Austin, of Greenway, said: “I have lived in my road for 35 years and others for longer. I have seen road changes from single to double.

“At peak times I have taken 16 minutes to get out of my drive, which is on the corner of Greenway and Manchester Road.

“How is a single lane turning into Greenway going to cope with the proposed 400 plus cars?

“We have no problem with the housing development, the primary concern is the changes to the roads.

“I want someone to come out at the busiest time of day not at 2pm when everyone is in work.”

Residents also said they had not been consulted about the scheme - which had undergone independent reviews and a road safety audit.

Gary Goodwin, group planning and consultation manager at Morris Homes, said the road planning has undergone an independent review and a road safety audit.

Clr Sheila Woodyatt (CON - Lymm) said: “What concerns me quite often we get these plans with experts in their fields who come in but when it comes to local issues it’s the people who live there who are the experts.”

Clr Ian Marks (LD - Lymm) added: “It’s a shame we all have the same objectives that we haven’t been able to come up with something that’s a bit more of a compromise.”

Clr Jeff Richards (LAB - Bewsey and Whitecross) asked for the plans to be approved pending more consultation between residents and road planners.

Clr Tony McCarthy (LAB - Rixton and Woolston) added: “This development will take about four years to complete. We will be able to correct the traffic as we go along.”

Councillors unanimously approved the plans.