Fundraising page set up to support fight against Griffiths Park plans

More than £1,000 has been raised so far to support campaigners as they battle to halt plans for land at Griffiths Park in Rudheath.

A planning application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by HBV Northwich Limited and Griffiths Park Land Limited to build 46 ‘affordable’ homes and a three-storey, 66-bed care home on St John’s Playing Fields.

The homes would consist of one, two, three and four-bed properties, with 16 flats and 30 houses, and would also involve the demolition of a business premises on Middlewich Road.

A message from Katy Sneyd, who set up a Go Fund Me page, reads: “This playing field has been a community asset for more than 100 years, and we urgently need your help to save it.

“It provides open space for everyone, whether that's to play sports, walk your dog, meet up with friends or to enjoy the park with your children.

“It also is fantastic for wildlife and during covid it was a safe space for many of us to walk and enjoy being outside.

“We simply cannot lose our park, please help us by donating what you can.

“Monies raised will be used to support our campaign, cover any legal fees that may occur and hopefully help us to list St John’s Playing Fields as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).”

Rudheath Parish Council recently applied to Cheshire West and Chester’s planning department for the site to be listed as an ACV – a response is expected in the coming weeks.

A letter submitted by planning consultants Avison Young in support of the development said: “The high-quality housing will contribute towards and identified need for affordable dwellings within the local authority and will be supported by appropriate car parking and landscaping.”

To view or comment on the application visit the council’s planning portal here and search for 22/04436/FUL. To view and comment on the Asset of Community Value application, search for 22/04282/ACV.