Residents, like Karen Racey, are expressing their concerns and raising questions following a consultation event regarding plans to build 320 homes on green land in Grappenhall. The event, held at Thelwall Parish Hall by Castle Green Homes, left attendees feeling like there were more questions than answers.
Karen and others at the event were troubled by the lack of clarity surrounding the proposed development. Many questions posed to the consultants present went unanswered, leaving residents wondering about the stage of the project and whether approval had already been granted. Concerns were also raised about the need for development on green belt land, especially when there are other brown belt spaces available in Warrington.
One major concern voiced by Karen and fellow attendees was the potential impact on local roads from increased traffic. The issue of flooding on the proposed development site was also highlighted, with worries about where excess water would be channeled once the houses were built.
The consultation seemed to paint a rosy picture without addressing the genuine concerns of existing residents. Many feel that the council’s focus on revenue generation is overshadowing the best interests of the community. With only 20% of the proposed homes being deemed ‘affordable’, there are doubts about whether first-time buyers will truly benefit from the development.
Castle Green Homes, on the other hand, argues that there is a national housing crisis and a pressing need to boost housing supply. The Government has set targets for local authorities to meet housing needs, with Warrington Borough Council highlighting the Thelwall Heys site as essential for meeting these targets.
Despite these arguments, residents like Karen remain skeptical about the true motivations behind the development plans. The lack of clear answers and the perceived focus on financial gains over community well-being continue to fuel concerns among those directly impacted by the proposed project.
As the consultation process unfolds, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and address the valid concerns raised by residents. Finding a balance between meeting housing needs and preserving the quality of life for existing communities will be crucial in shaping the future of developments like the one at Thelwall Heys.