Parish councillors in Nantwich told dozens of residents how they intend to fight Muller Homes at a forthcoming public inquiry.
Around 30 people attended a public meeting at Stapeley community hall to air their views before the inquiry on February 18.
Stapeley Parish Council told how it had earmarked £20,000 to fight the appeal, including employing top planning barrister Ruth Stockley, from Kings Chambers in Manchester.
Muller wants outline planning permission for 189 homes and an access road on land between Peter de Stapleigh Way, Broad Lane and London Road in Stapeley.
If granted, it could open the gates to their proposed 1,100-home “Nantwich South” village.
But many residents object to the plans and aired their concerns, including on traffic impact, flooding problems, lack of school places and services.
The 4-day inquiry was ordered by the Secretary of State after Muller appealed against Cheshire East Council for non-determination of the initial outline application last year.
This was caused when four oak trees were chopped down on the site last year (pictured, right), causing Cheshire East Council to defer a decision as the trees were one of the key reasons refusal was recommended.
That incident was reported to the Forestry Commission, Nantwich South and Stapeley Cllr Peter Groves told the meeting.
“There was an investigation, but nothing conclusive was found,” he added.
“We sent it off to the Forestry Commission but have not heard anything on their part.”
Muller representative Carl Davey, who sat among the residents at the meeting, confirmed the company had submitted a second application even before the inquiry into the first had been held.
“The additional application gives the council a chance to determine the plans positively as they cannot determine the first,” he said.
This drew criticism from some residents.
“You’re too kind!” one resident called out.
“How do you sleep at night?” said another.
The parish council has lodged formal objections against the additional applications.
The meeting also highlighted concerns over staging the public inquiry 30 miles away in Macclesfield town hall.
Cllr Groves said the Council Leader Michael Jones was busy trying to find an alternative venue nearer to Nantwich.
“No one wants to travel to Macclesfield from here every day for this inquiry,” he said.
“We are all trying hard to find another venue for this.”
Nantwich Civic Centre and Crewe Municipal Buildings had been considered.
Residents urged the council to consider venues like Brine Lease School as the inquiry is being staged during half-term.
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