A DEVELOPER has been warned it faces a battle with residents and councillors over its plans to build up to 1,036 homes on green belt land in Stretton.

Wallace Land Investments has submitted a request for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) 'screening opinion' to Warrington Borough Council over its plans for the site next to the M56.

The company has proposed to build between 592 and 1,036 houses on the land off Stretton Road, Tarporley Road and Spark Hall Close.

The screening stage of the planning process determines whether a proposed project is likely to have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, requires an environmental assessment.

Cllr Judith Wheeler (LD – Appleton) has responded to the request.

She said: "From my point of view, this proposal is not unexpected and it is Wallace getting ready for the local plan announcement and assumption of the release of green belt.

"There is nothing wrong with this but I think they will have a battle on their hands from residents, borough councillors and parish councils, who will fight to keep green belt, resist such scale of development and the integrity of the villages and will insist on significant infrastructure improvements.

"I think they need to take heed of the Stobart decision and consult widely."

In a letter to the authority, application agent Geddes Consulting said the final scale of the development will be decided after the master planning and design process is completed.

It added: "The proposals will take into account council guidance on the development of the south Warrington urban extension (SWUE).

"The proposal will compromise of a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom market homes, and include around 30 per cent affordable homes, subject to discussion and final agreement with the council.

"The proposal will facilitate active transport (cycling/walking) and promote a safe environment for all road users.

"The council's SWUE framework plan document underpins the council's preferred development option.

"Development of the SWUE will help Warrington meet its housing and employment land supply requirements over the next 20 years.

"The overall proposal is envisaged to include 7,979 housing units, 117.3 hectares of employment land, one secondary school, up to three primary schools, a new 84.1-hectare country park and 55-hectare district core for community facilities.

"It is expected that the council will review and update the SWUE framework plan document in due course as the local plan progresses towards approval, examination and adoption.

"The proposals for this site will need to take into account any updates to the emerging proposals for the SWUE."

The proposals also include supporting facilities, open space and play facilities, landscaping and woodland planting.

The site is currently in use for agriculture.

Wallace has been asked for a comment.