RESIDENTS are being urged to show their support for a campaign fighting a housing scheme at a planning appeal.

A planning inspector is due to hear the appeal next week into an application by Gladman Developments for land in Church Lane, Wistaston, known locally as Witters Field.

Gladman appealed against being refused permission by Cheshire East Council for up to 300 houses on the site, and an appeal set to last six days is due to start next Tuesday, August 5, at Crewe.

The call for support at the appeal comes from campaign group Hands off Wistaston (HOW) and local councillor Margaret Simon.

Group spokesman Peter Wainwright said: “We have done so much work over the past year keeping this planning application in the public eye.

“The fight has not just been about Witters Field, and we are absolutely adamant that our local green gaps should be retained, a message we have consistently given out.

“Wistaston residents have been fantastic with their support every time they have been asked to comment or join in with public consultation.

“Witters Field matters so much to them, so we urge them to see this fight through to the end and drop in at the appeal.”

Wistaston ward councillor Margaret Simon said: “Cheshire East Council, local ward councillors, the parish council and HOW will be working very hard at the appeal, on behalf of their residents, to try to put a stop to this unwanted, unplanned development.

“It would be great if residents could come along to the appeal and show their support.”

The appeal is due to start at 10am on August 5 at the Carlsberg Lounge at Crewe Alexandra football club in Gresty Road, Crewe.

For the remaining five days, August 6, 7, 8, 27 and 28, the appeal will be heard at the council chamber in the municipal buildings in Earle Street, Crewe.