A REVISED planning application that was submitted just days after the original 240-home proposal was thrown out has been refused by Winsford Town Council’s Planning Committee.

Earlier this month, the proposed development of 240 homes at Ways Green, adjacent to the Winsford Flashes, was refused by the planning officer through delegated powers.

Days later Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners submitted a fresh application with a revised housing count of up to 142 homes, 30% of which will be affordable housing.

On Monday evening, Winsford Town Council’s Planning Committee unanimously voted in favour of refusing the revised application.

The decision was made on the grounds that it ‘far too intensive a development for the site as it exceeds the maximum number of dwellings (94) set out in the Winsford Neighbourhood Plan’.

Labour councillor, Cllr Tony Hooton of Verdin Ward, said: “I think we should reject this planning application out of hand. 

“I accept they say some of it is within the Borough Plan, but when the Neighbourhood Plan goes up to 94, and they stick in an application for 142, they’re just taking the mickey.”

Cllr Steve Smith of the Dene Ward agreed with his fellow Labour councillor, insisting the council should set a ‘precedent’.

He said approving the application would be ‘contradictory the Neighbourhood Plan’, stating that

He added: “We have a plan and we should follow it.”

The chairman of the planning committee, Cllr Gina Lewis, confirmed the application will be heard by CWAC’s planning committee.

She also warned the committee that it was clear the developers clearly had a ‘Plan B’ and the committee should brace themselves for a ‘Plan C’.

Cllr Lewis did point out that if CWAC’s planning committee also refuses the application it will likely be passed to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles.

She said: “Apparently Mr Pickles thinks our Neighbourhood Plan is the best thing since sliced bread, so should they decide to go to appeal, if it is refused by CWAC, it will then go to him.

“I think there is a reasonable possibility, as he thinks our Neighbourhood Plan is so wonderful, he will realise that this is not such a good idea.”