YET another bid to build on land off Hob Hey Lane and Wigshaw Lane in Culcheth has been defeated - after it was revealed traffic surveys failed to take the safety of schoolchildren into consideration.

But villagers must be wondering how long their luck can last with two public inquiries pending over the rural retreat, formerly the home of CPRE chairman Joe Lythgoe.

More than 50 packed into Warrington Town Hall last week to vent their feelings on a third attempt by Redrow Homes to redevelop the land.

Over 1,000 have besieged the planning department with e-mails and letters, backed by borough councillors, Culcheth and Glazebury Action Group, Warrington North MP Helen Jones, the CPRE and neighbouring Croft Parish Council.

Opponents particularly called into question a council-ordered highways report, dismissing concerns about a controversial roundabout at the Hob Hey Lane and Wigshaw Lane junction, giving access to the proposed estate.

Campaigners say the island, near the entrance to a popular bridleway in Culcheth Linear Park, would be unsafe for horse riders, pedestrians and cyclists.

Objectors spokesman Denise Wade said researchers had taken into account the wrong school, referring to pupils travelling to Newchurch Primary.

But she had a letter from Twiss Green Primary head teacher Alan Rabjohn confirming that 20 of his pupils crossed the affected roads on their way to classes.

Later council officials admitted that the perceived impact on pedestrians was not part of the brief given to the traffic consultants.

Clr Albert Clemow said if these children were additional to those who had been counted, they should be taken into consideration.

Rejecting Redrow's latest outline application, Clr Anne Haddow said: "This is going to leave a huge lump of a development on the very edge of the green belt. I think it is totally inappropriate."

l On October 14 and 15 public inquiries will be held on similar outline proposals, for which Redrow lodged an appeal on the grounds of non-determination, and more detailed plans for 39 homes, rejected by councillors last April.