OPPONENTS of the controversial plan to build 150 houses at Peel Hall, Warrington believe they did enough at the three day inquiry into the scheme to stop it in its tracks.
Residents of the Houghton Green area are now awaiting the result of the inquiry – and believe they put forward a very strong case at the hearing.
The inspector who conducted the hearing will be visiting the area this coming Friday – and should get a good idea of the strength of local feeling from the number of “No” posters displayed at houses in the area.
Margaret Steen, chairman of the Fight Against Peel Hall Development Committee said: “In my speech at the inquiry, I spoke about many technical and planning reasons why this application should be
refused.
“I think that a very strong case has again been made for refusal and I am very pleased that the inspector will be visiting Houghton Green to see our lovely village for herself.
“I sat through the hearing last week and listened to the applicant say that the area needs developing. Nothing can be further from the truth and I believe that the inspector will clearly
see the misleading nature of the applicant’s statement during her walkabout”.
Commenting on the way that the hearing went, Mrs Steen said: “There was a great deal of discussion about education, schools, bus service, emergency access roads, double yellow lines, employment and inducements.
“In my view the discussions around these issues only went to
show that this proposed development is in the wrong place, for the wrong reason and above all else, is simply unsustainable and should be thrown out.”
Another member of the committee, Ste Dodd, who lives in Grasmere Ave, told the inspector about the wildlife habitat and endangered species of Peel Hall.
He said that since September last year, he had spotted 74 species of birds, including 15 on the RSPEc “red list” and 17 on the amber list.
“I think the number of birds present are significant and a testament the biodiversity of the area”
Mr Dodd also spoke on behalf of the Warrington Hedgehog Rescue Centre, run by Julia Clayton.
He said that Peel Hall is one of the few places where ‘Hogs’ still roam and are able to establish colonies.
Cllr Geoff Settle, the committee’s spokesperson, said: “I believe that enough evidence has been presented at the inquiry for the inspector to refuse this application.
“The company has spared no expense. They have offered a local football team support for training facilities far away from their home base and the development site. Last week they splashed out on a very experienced and no doubt expensive QC to manage their team. However they came up against a very fierce and robust defence from the council’s
representative and a very passionate and well informed residents’ team.
Houghton Green residents have said that the ‘Say No to Peel Hall development’ posters will remain in their windows and on garden posts. “They want the inspector to see for herself the strength and feeling of the community who are standing united against the proposed development.”
The result of the inquiry will be announced later.
