GLADMAN Developments’ plans for up to 215 houses at Winsford were unanimously rejected by Cheshire West and Chester councillors on Thursday.

The planning application was refused because it represented piecemeal development and failed to ensure the mixed use development of the Station Quarter Urban Extension.

The estate was earmarked for farmland off Rilshaw Lane, and the plans were thrown out by the Strategic Planning Committee after being recommended for refusal by officers.

“We know this will go for housing eventually, but we want it done properly, and they haven’t come forward with an overall development plan,” said Clr Angela Claydon.

“The problem with this application is that it is piecemeal - it is covering a small part of this piece of land, and not planning what should happen to the rest of it.

“It is not planning it in the way the Neighbourhood Development Plan had envisaged.”

Clr Gina Lewis called for the scheme to include the retention of the hedges, the inclusion of bungalows as part of the affordable housing provided and permeable surfacing on driveways to help limit flooding.

John Doherty from the Rilshaw Lane Action Group said Rilshaw Lane would be used as a rat-run during peak time traffic should the scheme be allowed.

“Any increase on current traffic flow would have a detrimental effect on the lives of the existing residents,” he said.

“Also, due to poor visibility when exiting and accessing many of the properties an increase in traffic would have a serious impact on the safety of residents and other road users.”

He said the cumulative impact of previous, current and future planning applications had been overlooked.

“Planning permission should be refused as this application is premature and on the grounds of cumulative impact, safety and the lack of a robust infrastructure plan,” he said.

Highways officer Paul Parry said the impact of the traffic on Rilshaw Lane from the planned housing would not be severe, and would not create major congestion.

The scheme was also refused for failing to satisfy policies in the emerging Local Plan and the Vale Royal Borough Local Plan.