TOWN leaders have slammed the borough council for failing to make them aware of a planning proposal for more than 20 caravans at a travellers' site.

In July a planning application was submitted to Congleton Borough Council for a proposed extension to Three Oaks Caravan Park, in Booth Lane, to accommodate 24 extra plots, a communal day centre and amenities block.

Cheshire County Council was asked for its views on the application and as part of the consultation process officers wrote to Middlewich Town Council in August seeking its views.

The town council was given 14 days to respond but the first time it was able to pass comment was at Monday night's town council meeting - more than two weeks after the deadline.

Councillors are angry they have not been given enough time to voice their concerns about the development.

Town and borough councillor Alison Roylance White said: "There are four borough councillors on the town council and we have not seen this before.

"If we truly believe that this hasn't been seen before we need to act on it quickly."

According to Congleton Borough Council, the application was initially sent to Moston Parish Council for comment, even though the county council cites the proposal as Middlewich. Mayor Clr Chalky White believes borough officers should be made accountable for the confusion as the town council is already being asked by Middlewich residents about the proposal.

He said: "Congleton Borough Council has let itself down on this.

"It promised to consult on applications that affect the town and parish -not just those contained within the boundaries.

"It is being disingenuous in saying it was sent to Moston Parish Council. The fact is that this has happened and officers need to be made aware that we should be informed of anything that affects the town, not just the boundaries.

"This is going to impact on Middlewich."

Liz Cowdary, planning enforcement officer at the borough council, said there was no obligation to notify councils of proposals in different parishes.

She said: "They receive the weekly planning list and they are available online to check if they feel there is anything that affects them."

She added that there is still time left for the council to make any comments on the proposal.