MORE than 300 new homes could be approved at three sites across Warrington today.

Council planners are to meet at 6pm to debate three big housing applications.

The former Sycamore Lane School land could be used for 92 homes, 69 could be built on the former Foxwood School in Birchwood while 140 homes could be built in Latchford.

All three applications are up at the development management committee.

The former Foxwood School site in Birchwood would have 69 homes on the land at Chatfield Drive.

They will be for private rent and private affordable rent with 32, two storey houses and 37 apartments housed in two blocks.

Three objections were received as well as a petition with nine names.

They cited a loss of light to bungalows on Talbot Close and a loss of trees and wildlife habitat.

Birchwood Town Council also expressed concern about the traffic on Chatfield Road, which is already a 20mph zone.

The application has however been recommended for approval by council planners.

The developer is Incrementum Housing Development Company, the council's housing development company.

The company is also behind 92 plans on the former Sycamore Lane site in Great Sankey.

It proposes the construction of 47 two-storey homes and 45 apartments, along with parking.

Some trees will be lost if the plans are approved but the proposals include shared community green space and a public realm area, with open space and green corridor links to run through the development.

Warrington Guardian:

The Sycamore Lane site

The report adds: “The loss of established trees has a low impact on the treed character of the site.

“The application is supported by a strong landscaping scheme, which aims to blend and mature as the development integrates into the surroundings.

“The landscaping scheme exceeds current tree losses.

“The scheme will have a number of paths and amenity areas."

Objections have been raised from more than 30 residents.

While Warrington South MP Andy Carter has voiced his concerns.

He questions whether the site entrance is the most appropriate for the site.

He added: "Vehicles would reach the site via circuitous routes through residential streets - at a time when we are trying to improve air quality, an new access directly from the A57 should be explored."

Finally a scheme for 140 homes in Latchford will be discussed.

This is for land off Loushers Lane and is for outline approval, more details will be needed before building could start.

The 7.5 hectare site borders Priestley College and Black Bear Park.

 Residents have objected as has nearby business Colas.

While ward councillor Maureen McLaughlin added her concerns.

She says in the report: "140 dwellings on a mainly brownfield site is welcomed and site has been put forward by the council as a potential site for development however I have a number of reservations about the proposal."

These include traffic, the loss of woodland and pedestrian access for college students.

The application has been recommended for approval.