Midcheshire Independent Issue 196

3 SEPTEMBER 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk to the open countryside, local highway network, pedestrian safety, biodiversity, local ser- vices and the character of the rural edge of Winsford. “The site forms part of the open countryside and appears to comprise greenfield agricul- tural land beyond the settle- ment boundary. “The development would extend the urban edge of Winsford into the countryside, erode the rural setting of the town, remove an important open landscape buffer, and lead to the permanent loss of countryside land. “The application is also defi- cient in highways terms. “A development of this scale is likely to generate substan- tial additional daily and peak- hour traffic movements, yet the submitted information does not sufficiently demon- strate that Swanlow Lane, its junction with Townfields Road, surrounding residen- tial roads, the wider B5074 corridor, and routes toward Church Minshull can safely and efficiently accommodate the cumulative traffic impact. “Planning permission should therefore be refused, or at the very least not deter- mined until the applicant has provided complete, inde- pendently tested evidence demonstrating all highway, infrastructure, open country- side, ecological and sustain- ability impacts can be fully mitigated and secured.” TATTONMPEstherMcVey joined villagers and other dignitaries to celebrate the ancient medieval tradition of Lymm Rushbearing. The traditional festival involves collecting and car- rying rushes to St Mary’s Church, and dates back to when most church buildings had earthen floors and rushes were used as a form of renew- able floor coverings for clean- liness and insulation. Lymm is one of the few remaining communities in the country that continues the tradition. Ms McVey said: “Lymm Rushbearing is always one of my favourite festivals in the calendar and this year did not disappoint! We’re lucky to have something so unique and spectacular on our doorsteps for our communities to enjoy. “As part of the celebrations we were treated to fantastic entertainment by local Mor- ris troupes LymmMorris and Bollin Morris and a great time was had by all.” MP in a Rush… The development proposal covers approximately 60 acres of agricultural land to the east of Swanlow Lane inWinsford (Image: Müller Property Group) Objections grow to 448-home plan A COUNCILLOR has joined a growing chorus of opposition to controver- sial plans for a 448-home new estate on farmland on the edge of Winsford. Independent Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) council- lor for Swanlow ward, Simon Boone, says he has called in the application, submitted by Müller Property Group, meaning its fate will now be debated by the council’s plan- ning committee. The applicant is seeking permission for a major resi- dential development on land east of Swanlow Lane, includ- ing houses, a new spine road, access works, open space and landscaping. The proposal has sparked considerable interest, with tens of objections already lodged on CWAC’s planning portal, raising concerns about highway safety, traffic con- gestion, the loss of greenfield land, and the capacity of pub- lic services. Cllr Boone set out a detailed case against the development in a post on his Facebook page. He describes the application as ‘speculative and prema- ture’, adding: “The applica- tion has not demonstrated the proposal can be safely accessed, adequately served by infrastructure, or delivered without unacceptable harm To advertise in the Independent, contact Robin Atkins on 07767 840274