MORE land has been sold in Grappenhall Heyes to developers who plan to build 78 luxury homes in the trendy celebrity haven.

English Partnerships, which owns the seven-acre site, has sold the plot to David McLean Homes, which plans to build a mix of detached houses, mews cottages and apartments, with the larger homes costing as much as £450,000.

The plush pads will be surrounded by original landscaping, from when the land belonged to Lord Parr, and a preserved walled garden.

But the homes aren't just for the affluent, soccer star jet set. Lance Houghton, of English Partnerships, says that the firm has been able to ensure the provision of a good mix of house types to appeal to a wider range of people.

Andrew Demain, sales director for developers David McLean, said: "Grappenhall is an excellent location for new home-buyers as it is an attractive location offering easy access to the main cities and conurbations in the north west."

In recent months, five footballers have netted homes in the village, putting it on the map as a rival to glitzy Wilmslow.

And Stafford Cleaver, manager of Mellor Braggins estate agents in neighbouring Stockton Heath, says it's no surprise that the celebs are descending on south Warrington.

"People are moving a bit further out because it's convenient to live there and there has always been a lot of money in south Warrington," he said.

"In Victorian times, there was a lot of money in this area, particularly Grappenhall Heyes and Chaigley. At that time, people were doing well in Warrington and Wilmslow was just a poor relation!"