Audlem resident involved in eco-town debate (updated)

The developers of a proposed New Town at Wardle, just north of Nantwich, have suddenly dropped their plans. Pochin say that they have written to the Government to withdraw their planning application. Pochin's plans have been ditched now that "strong local opposition" has been made clear.

This week's Chronicle focuses on the plans that were suddenly revealed to build a 17,000-population New Town -or 'Need Green' eco-town as it was being called – just north of Nantwich on the A51 at Wardle. The new town would have been larger than Nantwich.

Audlem resident, and Campain to Protect Rural England (CPRE) member, Greville Watts is quoted extensively in the report. The CPRE says it supports any development which makes use of derelict sites but Greville believes alternative brownfield sites in Manchester and Liverpool would be more suitable options than Wardle.

He said: "It's an unnecessary loss of green space and we can't afford to sacrifice our farmland. The Government seems to be swinging this "it's an eco-town, therefore it must be good." But this has a big black mark against it for being greenfield. We should go for brown every time.

"If this is to be pushed through, I would expect to see a cutback in housing elsewhere and, of course, developers will have a vested interest in other sites and will strongly oppose it.

"To be honest, I think there is very little going for Wardle with regard to an environmental aspect. Where are these people going to work? There will be some on site but most will be commuting and these people are going to be using their cars more."

More than fifty bids, including the Wardle 'Need Green' site – are believed to have been submitted for the Government's consideration as part of its scheme to build ten 'eco-towns' across England.

Local MP Stephen O'Brien slammed the secrecy surrounding the proposal as a scandal and campaigners also feared it would put another 10,000 cars on the roads in South Cheshire and that the already busy A51 between Nantwich and Chester would not be able to cope. A march was planned in Wardle and Barbridge on Saturday to protest about the plans but it seems the vehemence of the opposition has had an immediate effect on the developers.

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