Residents will get the chance to quiz Reaseheath College bosses over its expansion bid as part of the plan to build 1,100 homes on green land in Nantwich.
The college has organised a public meeting to outline its future development, which is tied in to the North West Nantwich Consortium’s proposed housing and retail site at Kingsley Fields.
Outline planning permission for the site – to include 1,100 homes, shops, businesses and possibly a new school – was approved by Cheshire East Council back in February.
It was earmarked as the preferred major housing development for the town in the new Cheshire East Local Plan.
But some residents in the area are still concerned about the impact on traffic and the environment.
One issue is the development of a bypass to take heavy traffic on the A51 out of the village, and to improve the clogged up Burford Crossroads.
But the development will provide the college with the funds to invest in its campus, which bosses say will cement its future, create jobs, and boost the town’s economy.
Reaseheath College Principal Meredydd David will host the public meeting on Thursday September 11, from 6.30pm, at the HE lecture theatre in Reaseheath College.
In a letter to residents, he said: “I would value the opportunity of sharing with you our finalised Master Plan as a part of our consultation process, and to ensure we keep you up to date and receive your views.
“The college continues to be very successful and a hugely popular place for Further and Higher Education students to study.
“We have invested over £50 million in improving the resources and facilities on the campus during the past seven years.
“This has ensured that our campus meets the expectations of parents and students, and provides specialist facilities that are industry standard and second to none.
“I am aware that our continuing success and growth requires the support of our local Parish and Town Councils, and the support and forbearance of local residents and I am very grateful for this.”
The new Kingsley Fields site will include allotments, open spaces, cycleways, an access road, and landscaping on 58 hectares of open farmland bound by the A51, Welshman’s Lane, Nantwich Town FC and the River Weaver.
When outline permission was granted in February, planners had received 40 letters from local residents and interested parties – 17 objecting, 19 in support, and others making general observations.
One of the biggest concerns was traffic impact, and developers will be making contributions to improving the road network around Nantwich.
This could include as much as £1.3 million to improve Burford Crossroads, with the re-alignment of Chester Road away from the junction.
Another major concern is availability of school places.
With most primary schools already full, developers may be required to fund a new £2.3 million school on the development, as well as more than £1 million to help accommodate the extra secondary school age pupils.
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