THE battle lines have been drawn in the fight for Peel Hall.

Worried residents packed out a public meeting on Friday night to show their concern at plans to build up to 1,100 homes on the nature site.

And ward councillors are backing them in their fight to stop the building taking place.

Up to 300 people attended a meeting chaired by Poulton North councillor John Kerr-Brown at the Hawthorn Centre in Padgate. He said: "It was a superb turnout. There were a lot of questions asked.

"This land has gone full circle, really. It was agricultural land, then it was built on and now it has regenerated into its natural habitat, It is probably unique in Warrington, in that respect."

The land has been zoned for housing in the Local Plan by a Government Inspector, but Warrington North MP Helen Jones called it a "green oasis in a very built up part of the town".

The site, off Radley Lane, Houghton Green, is home to the protected great crested newt and the small eared owl.

Other problems foreseen by protesters include the traffic impact on nearby roads created by the extra homes. They also claim that nearby medical facilities would be stretched by the increased housing.

Clr Kerr-Brown added: "We in Warrington North have taken our fair share of new build developments over the years."

A petition against the plan, signed by 4,500 people, was handed to the borough council on Wednesday afternoon. "There is a tremendous groundswell of local and borough support not to develop this site," said Clr Kerr-Brown.

Residents concerned about the scheme are being urged to write to Clr Mike Hughes, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, Warrington Borough Council, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington.

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