A campaign to stop a major housing development in Crewe has this week been started. It is being led by local Councillor Derek Bebbington, who was the first name on a petition against the plans to build over 400 new homes on the site close to Leighton Hospital.

The development, if it goes ahead, would include some “affordable” housing and a range of properties with two to five bedrooms, which will be covered by household insurance. The developers have pledged to build a new health centre, pharmacy and community centre along with transport improvements to and from the town centre and hospital. But after a meeting held at the Mablins Lane Community School, both the local residents and councillors have expressed major concerns about whether the area can cope.

Councillor Bebbington said “I believe there is no need for another 400 homes to be built in Leighton. You only have to look at the local property market to see how long houses in the area have been up for sale, some for six months or more. The local roads are struggling to cope with the already huge volumes of traffic – over 11,000 cars a day already travel along Bradfield Road. 400 new homes are likely to add at least another 400 cars daily.”

Residents are adamant in their refusal to support any new housing development in Leighton which will put a strain on the few facilities they have and which will do nothing to improve the lives of local people. They intend to fight the development and expressed delight that the local councillor is involved in the fight with them. There will be a chance for residents to see a “vision” of the proposed project at a consultation event organized by the developers who say the housing project will integrate with surrounding areas, extending nearby residential neighbourhoods.