A BATTLE to stop developers building in the centre of Davenham has begun afresh.

Residents are protesting against resubmitted plans to alter a 1930s home at 19 Firth Fields, turning it into a six-bedroomed house and also build three new houses and a detached garage in its grounds.

A proposal for three three-storey homes and a garage with rooms above was first submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) in June but the plans were withdrawn after public outcry.

Now they have been altered in height, design and spacing and resubmitted.

Residents held a meeting to discuss the plans at Davenham Royal British Legion, in Firth Fields, on Wednesday.

One resident said: “These guys are serious – they want to get these houses built and sold.

“It’s imperative for us to be as diligent and hard working as we were previously to stop this happening.”

Residents originally objected to the plans on the grounds that it would create too much traffic in the narrow Firth Fields road, which is used as a route for children walking to Davenham CE Primary School and the before and after school clubs at the British Legion.

They also said the properties would destroy a wooded site that is home to 300-year-old beech trees, a colony of bats and a natural pond.

The new proposals include plans to cut down 15 trees.

A Firth Fields resident said: “The other aspects of these plans to me have not changed – the safety of kids going to and from school, the trees, this is another issue I believe effects us all.

“If three trees in particular were to come down you could safely say the whole of Davenham would change, the character of the village would alter.”

Villagers have until October 30 to object to the plans.

Residents also plan to attend Davenham Parish Council’s next meeting on October 26 to make their feelings clear.