ENVIRONMENTALISTS are calling for changes to a plan for a new development in Nantwich which they claim could create a major traffic hazard.

The new housing, part of the Marsh Lane development, would feature 31 four and five bedroomed houses.

The houses would be based near Nixons Row and Telford Place and opposite Malbank School.

South Cheshire Friends of the Earth has objected to the plan because of fears about the traffic situation in the area and also over the type of housing planned.

Jeremy Herbert, spokesman for the South Cheshire FoE group, said: "The application proposes access onto Welsh RoW near the canal bridge.

"We are deeply concerned that this proposal creates a major traffic hazard at a major entrance to Nantwich, close to road junctions and entrances that already poses considerable dangers for children walking and cycling to Malbank School.

"The application specifies 31 "executive style" four and five bedroomed houses. There is a need for more low cost affordable housing in Nantwich, which is already over provided with expensive executive style housing.

"The plans provided by the developer make no reference to provision for cyclists and walkers. Thirty one executive style houses with two/three cars per house could generate a massive increase in car traffic."

Nantwich town councillors were also concerned and as a highway survey had not been submitted they agreed to oppose the plan at their meeting on Monday night on highway grounds and because of the type of housing.

However Matt Gilbert, of Malpas-based The Planning Consultancy, which is acting on behalf of Red Row said there was no cause for concern.

"As it stands the main access would be onto Welsh Row but in the long term access has been designated onto the relief road once it is completed," he said.

"A highway survey is about to be submitted to the council and that will say that access onto Welsh Row will be perfectly adequate. There is no cause for concern over this temporary arrangement."

He added that the land was allocated for housing and that Red Row carries out a market research survey before deciding on the type of housing needed.

The plan is likely to go before borough councillors at September's planning committee meeting.

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