RESIDENTS have reacted angrily to the decision to allow planning permission for 300 houses on land in Wistaston.

The site is off Church Lane, and approval for the housing has been granted by the Secretary of State following an appeal by Gladman Developments.

Gladman appealed against the rejection of the plan by Cheshire East Council.

The major housing scheme has been fought by residents group Hands off Wistaston (HOW), whose spokesman Peter Wainwright slammed the decision to approve the scheme as ‘a huge blow for the people of Wistaston’.

“Thousands of us have signed petitions and objections to this development,” said Mr Wainwright.

“We’ve spoken against this proposal along with the parish council and Cheshire East Council. It couldn’t be clearer that this development is not what the community wants.”

Mr Wainwright said the housing site, known locally as Witter’s Field, was a much-loved part of Wistaston, and helped to give the area a semi-rural feel.

“Many people enjoy walks across the field and, as Green Gap land, local councils had been clear that this should be left free from development,” he said.

“This is a sentiment echoed by many across the parish who fought the proposal, including Hands off Wistaston.

"It has been a long hard fight to try to save Witter’s Field. This field means so much to so many residents, and it is devastating to learn that the Secretary of State has not supported us.”

Hands Off Wistaston is hoping the council can pursue a challenge to the appeal decision at the High Court if legal grounds for a challenge can be found.

Cheshire East councillor Jacquie Weatherill said: “This is dreadful news, and allowing this housing scheme to go ahead will destroy the effectiveness of the green gap in Wistaston.

“It is very sad that our case has not been supported. Let’s hope that there is a way for us to challenge the decision.”

Cheshire East councillor Margaret Simon said: “We are all bitterly disappointed with this news – it’s the last thing we all wanted to hear after having to work hard to fight off two separate applications and appeals on this site.

“Cllr Weatherill and I still continue to support our residents’ battle to save this field. I have asked the council to review the decision carefully to consider whether or not there are any grounds for further challenge of this decision in the courts.”