CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build 225 homes on a Knutsford nature reserve have been overwhelmed with support from the local community.
Around 100 people attended a public meeting on Monday evening to express their concern over an application by landowner Dewscope Limited for a site east of Longridge.
The company plans to sell the site to a developer if outline planning permission is granted.
The application, submitted more than two years ago, is controversial as the site has become a re-wilded meadow.
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The fields between Birkin Brook and Booths Mere have been left to return to nature and are now home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, birds and insects.
Longridge is at the heart of five designated nature sites, two scheduled ancient monuments and includes a brook and two meres.
Last year, the Longridge land was designated a Local Wildlife Site and part of it is also now officially deemed Designated Ancient Woodland.
Campaigner John Finnan hosted the meeting with Debbie Jamison, of campaign group KROW (Knutsford Residents Over Ward).
John said many issues were raised during a question and answer session.
He said:“People expressed serious concern about the environment and loss of nature and wildlife.
“People are also worried about the lack of infrastructure to cope with all these new houses.
“They spoke about the shortage of doctors’ and dentists’ appointments as well as education.”
Residents said they object to access to the site being through an adjoining playing field, to circumvent a covenant.
Many also fear traffic congestion as there are already bottlenecks on nearby roads.
John said: “It was wonderful to see so many residents and Knutsford councillors attend, despite a stormy downpour of rain, and they stayed for two hours.
“It reinforced the fact that there is still a lot of support out there.
“There were many offers of help, which is much appreciated.”
Debbie said: “The community is completely outraged by the loss of a playing field and a huge ecological site.
“This is the third time that public consultation has re-opened.
“We are urging people to make their views known even if they have objected before.
“We want to give people hope. There are still strong planning grounds for this planning application to be turned down.”
To comment, visit the planning section of Cheshire East Council website and search for planning application reference number 21/3100M.
Closing date for public consultation is Tuesday, July 11.
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