PLANS for a housing estate near a Davenham junction have been submitted.

Bellway Homes has submitted a proposal for 53 new houses off Jack Lane, near its junction with London Road.

Its initial application was for 64 homes on the site but Bellway changed its plans to make more room for newts after public consultation.

In its planning statement to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), Bellway states: “The proposed layout of the development has now been altered to incorporate an area of ecological mitigation for great crested newts.

“This area includes two ponds and terrestrial habitat comprising a newt run and tall grassland for foraging.

“In order to accommodate this area of mitigation the number of dwellings proposed has decreased by 17 per cent to 53 units.

“The total area for newt mitigation is 0.5 hectares.”

The developer argues that its plans would help CWAC meet its shortfall in a five-year supply of housing land and that proposals have been designed to minimise the effect on the environment.

Residents fear that the development, along with Richborough Estate’s approved plans for 148 houses off Beehive Lane, in Moulton, will cause flooding and increase congestion.

They also argue that schools in the area are already full and services oversubscribed.