CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new housing development in Grappenhall Heys could be approved - despite the protests of residents and local councils.

Developers Urban Splash want to build more than 200 homes in the latest construction on the land.

But the plans have provoked furious objections with more than 150 residents writing to complain along with Appleton Parish Council, Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council and Stretton Parish Council.

Now Warrington Borough Council planners have recommended the scheme is approved when councillors meet next Wednesday.

There will be a mix of two, three, four, five and six bed homes with 68 of the 228 homes being 'affordable'.

Appleton Parish Council says the design is 'not in keeping with the area'.

While Grappenhall and Thelwall formally objected saying the estate will be 'an additional enclave of development disconnected from local services'.

Parish councillors raised concerns about design, calling it the 'wrong produce in the wrong place' and highways.

Stretton Parish Council meanwhile asked when improvements to the Cat and Lion junction could be expected.

One hundred and fifty two residents wrote to the borough council to complain.

They said building on green belt land is not acceptable, there are a lack of doctors and services in the area and the design is not in keeping and 'ugly'.

There are also numerous concerns about parking and the impact on highway safety.

Complaints called the plans 'reminiscent of Runcorn town centre which was demolished' and the 'proposal is a pilot scheme for Homes England but should not be used for the last phase of a development'.

But in the conclusion, planning officers say the development should be approved.

Outline planning has already been agreed.

The conclusion states: "It is considered that the details matters of appearance, scale and landscaping are acceptable.

"The proposal is a landscape led proposal that is inspired by the surrounding woodland with different character areas being created within the development.

" It is recognised that the appearance of the properties is different from the existing (and under construction) development in the surrounding area but it is considered that this reflects a new phase of development that by virtue of the landscape led approach and high quality architecture will be a positive addition to the identity of the area."

The application will be discussed at next Wednesday's meeting (June 30) of the development management committee being held in Parr Hall.

The meeting starts at 6pm.