CAMPAIGNERS are urging residents to have their say on controversial plans to build 225 homes on a 'treasured wildlife site.

In December last year, Cheshire East Council's strategic planning board rejected plans from Dewscope Ltd to build on land east of Longridge, in Knutsford.

But, earlier this summer, Dewscope appealed against the refusal, with the matter now going to a public inquiry, expected to be held in November.

Interested parties were initially given until today, September 3, to submit their comments to the Planning Inspectorate, but this has now been extended to September 10.

Campaigner John Finnan, of Save Longridge Greenbelt, is encouraging residents who object to the proposal to let the planning inspector know of their concerns.

He said: "We would like to send out a message to the Government inspector, who will conduct the inquiry, that there is still overwhelming local opposition.

"If you are against this development, it is important you object now to this proposal, even if you did so last year.

"Go to the Planning Inspectorate website. Click on 'Search for an appeal'. Look for case 3347883. And then make your representation.

"Briefly, say that you still totally oppose the loss of this designated 'Local Wildlife Site', next to an 'Ancient Woodland', and that you are also very much against the proposed access to it, through the adjoining playing field."

The proposal is controversial as Knutsford residents say the land has become a re-wilded meadow after not being farmed for 50 years and is now home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, birds and insects.

A major bone of contention is access to the site.

A covenant prevents building on a strip of land needed for access, which means access can only be obtained by intruding into the green belt.

This means, unless the covenant is discharged, anyone wanting to build on the site will have to plough through the playing fields, which are owned by Cheshire East Council.

Objectors say this is unacceptable and the playing fields are a community asset and not surplus to requirement.

In 2022 the Longridge land was designated a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and part of it is also now officially Designated Ancient Woodland.

In appealing the council's decision, a statement of case, submitted by Emery Planning on behalf of Dewscope, says: "The appellant considers the proposed site access represents a form of development which is ‘not inappropriate’ in the green belt.

"Even if the conclusion is reached that there would be harm to the openness and purposes of the green belt and this harm is attributed substantial weight, the benefits of the proposed development would clearly outweigh any harm to the green belt and any other harm arising from the proposal."