A 52 home scheme for Middlewich is due to be considered by Cheshire East at the end of this month.

The application for the land to the east and west of Croxton Lane includes new vehicular access from Croxton Lane and new open space areas with children's play area.

The 2.28 hectare site is currently agricultural land and is split in two by Croxton Lane, which runs through the middle of it.

A number of residents have written to Cheshire East to object and raise concerns including highways dangers, the risk of flood and the impact on the natural habitat.

One resident said: "Too many new housing estates on Croxton Lane now.

"No adjustment for extra infrastructure, doctors, school places? We've done our bit, let Congleton and Crewe take more – statistically I'll bet Middlewich has done more than its share per 1,000 people."

Middlewich Town Council objected when it first discussed the application at a meeting at the end of last year.

Among its concerns were fears about the ground stability, extra traffic resulting from the new homes and the impact on under-pressure schools, health care and leisure facilities.

The town council is due to discuss its response to the application again at this Thursday's (May 12) external meeting following a change of design.

The Middlewich council is not the decision-making body and can only make its representations to the borough council.

The application will be decided by Cheshire East's southern planning committee.

Middlewich councillor Jonathan Parry (Lab) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service this week: "Our infrastructure is way behind and I don't think we should be taking any more houses until we get the infrastructure at least up to date to where we are at the moment.

Cllr Jonathan Parry

"I'll be speaking against it, but if it does go ahead they've got to look at not just pumping money into the bypass from it. I fully accept the bypass has got to be paid for but they've got to look at infrastructure funding as well, look at the strain it will add to our already strained roads.

"I've nothing against a good amount of money going to the bypass but if each development gave some money towards other amenities then it would help in Middlewich."

The application, which has been submitted jointly by Brenig Construction Ltd, Anwyl Land Ltd and Mrs D M Frances-Hayhurst Foundation, is number 21/5436C and be viewed on the planning portal on the Cheshire East website.

The last date for submitting comments is May 17 and the proposal is due to be considered by the southern planning committee on May 25, according to the Cheshire East website.