I am pleased the strategic planning board of Cheshire East Council have rejected the proposed Gresty Oaks development of 880 houses on land bounded by Crewe Road, Rope Lane, Gresty Lane and the A500.

This was an application for a large number of houses and would have virtually destroyed the Green Gap and the beautiful open countryside between Rope and Shavington.

It would be the latest step towards joining Crewe up with its surrounding villages.

Most people are aware of the ugly urban sprawl in places like Stoke on Trent and we do not want that on our doorstep.

The farmland involved is of mainly high quality and should not be used for housing. The developers are promising infrastructure investment to serve the proposed huge increase in population, but we know from experience, that community facilities promised often don't materialise until years after the houses have been occupied, if at all.

There were good planning reasons to refuse this application.

This particular battle has been won but we must now gird up our loins to fight the forthcoming appeal. I am sure that the continued opposition of the two parish councils and borough councillors, along with local residents, will be a major influence on the appeal inspector.

Clr Brian Silvester UK Independence Party Willaston and Rope Ward Cheshire East Council