THE news that land around Appleton and Grappenhall is due to be developed has caused concern to many in south Warrington.

This is not because the news comes as a surprise – this land has been earmarked for the purpose for decades and there are numerous signs around identifying the land as being reserved for future development.

The concern is that the infrastructure in the area, particularly the roads, are struggling to cope now. Adding 900 homes would risk collapse.

There is no doubt that, as a nation, we don’t have enough homes.

For two decades, the number of new houses built has failed to keep pace with demand.

If we are to ensure that our children and grandchildren have homes to raise their own families in, radical action is needed.

Espousing the benefits of homeownership in general, whilst opposing schemes in particular, is not the solution.

That doesn’t mean that new developments don’t have to consider infrastructure requirements and it’s vital that the imperative to build doesn’t allow developers to dodge their responsibilities in this regard.

Looking at the various schemes, it seems clear to me that there are two things we should insist on as the “price” for allowing development to go ahead.

Firstly, the Howshoots Link, which was originally planned to take traffic from the top of Witherwin Avenue to the roundabout at the top of Broad Lane, needs to form part of any further development of Grappenhall Heys.

This would provide another exit from the estate as well as a route through to the M56 which avoids Appleton. I understand there are ownership issues here – but nothing which can’t be resolved with political will.

Secondly, the proposed “Wright’s Green Distributor”, which would link the new Appleton Cross development with Lumb Brook Road, also needs to form part of the proposal.

However in my view, that road needs to connect with Howshoots Link to funnel traffic away from both Appleton and Appleton Thorn.

These two schemes will not solve all the traffic problems but, taken together with the new bridges that I’ve been fighting for.

I think they will make a big difference.