VILLAGERS are urged to have their say on plans for housing on the site of Wincham’s last pub.

Countrywide Investments is seeking planning approval to demolish the derelict Black Greyhound and replace it with 17 homes.

Wincham Parish Council is to discuss the housing scheme at its meeting on Wednesday, April 29, having won an extension from Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) on the deadline for comments on the plans.

Parish council chairman Annie Makepeace said it was important that the parish council reflected the views of the village, and is asking people to attend the meeting to have their say.

The meeting takes place at Witton Albion Football Club at 7.30pm, and will be preceded by a 30-minute public participation period.

“We’re encouraging people to come along and share their views, and if they cannot make it they can email their views to us or ring me,” said Annie.

The parish council asked villagers what they would like to see on the site in place of the pub, and ideas included a pharmacy and food shops.

People can email their comments to winchampc@talktalk.net or call Annie on 01565 734226.

Wincham resident Brenda Yates wrote to CWAC about the plans, stating : “Although this is a greenfield site, development appears to be the only option as the buildings have been allowed to deteriorate and now constitute a major eyesore.

“Amenities for the whole village would be the most desirable use for at least part of the land. If housing is to be built there, houses which local young people can afford, and with preference given to them, would be desirable.”

She questioned the plans “for an estate which turns its back on the main roads at a key site in the middle of the village.”

“Most of the proposed boundary to the road is walled, and back garden walls and fences tend to be five to six feet high,” she said.

“They often deteriorate in time and are repaired or replaced piecemeal; a key site in the village could eventually look unpleasant, whereas front gardens are generally attractively maintained.”