By RACHEL SPENCER

PEOPLE power prompted planning bosses to agree to a site visit to scrutinise a controversial development in Lymm and residents, campaigners and parish leaders have welcomed the move.

More than 100 concerned villagers packed the Town Hall to hear the outcome of five applications last Wednesday, which could see another 122 homes being built in the village.

The committee was set to approve the plans, but noting the turnout and hearing concerns from Clr Sheila Woodyatt, members agreed to conduct a site visit.

Many of the proposed homes are three storey properties and residents are anxious that the village simply cannot cope with any more development.

And their storming of the planning meeting was just the start of a heated campaign to make planners listen to their concerns.

A fuel protest style blockade of the village's road is planned for Saturday, and will see Lymm grind to a halt for an hour to show that the road network is up to saturation point.

Organiser Andrew Wilson said he was pleased he was pleased with the committee's decision, and he hopes that the Hour of Protest, which is being staged the Saturday prior to the visit will make planners realise the effects their decisions are having on the village.

"What we are saying to the highways and the planners is come along and see it for yourselves," said Andrew.

"What we are trying to do is replicate what it could be like on a busy Saturday or a Monday morning when people are trying to get to work to show that the roads cannot cope with these developments."

Meanwhile, Clr Sheila Woodyatt has welcomed the site visit decision.

She said: "I am very pleased that the committee has agreed to come out and visit the sites in Lymm because I don't think that until they see it on the ground they will understand the concerns of local people about the impact this development will have.

"There is a massive concern in Lymm about the excessive development which has been forced upon us.

"This visit gives the members of the committee who make the decisions, an opportunity to see for themselves the concerns and the impact the development will have, particularly the three storey development which are out of character and it also gives time for further discussions on Lymm development and the village design statement.

"Lymm's infrastructure is already reaching saturation point and this is an issue that we have to tackle."

Clr Ian Marks said: "The huge public outcry against all the housing development in Oughtrington and Heatley justified deferring decisions on these two applications.

"More time is needed for a proper dialogue between residents, developers and the planners to try and improve the worst aspects of these developments. In particular we must have changes to the quite inappropriate three-storey buildings."