New homes looks set to be built on farmland in Preston Brook, despite an objection from the local parish council.

Halton Council’s development management committee meets on Tuesday where it is expected to rubber-stamp an application for 17 properties on land at Sumners Farm, east of Barkers Hollow Road, on Preston on the Hill. Four of the properties would be earmarked for 'affordable' housing.

The proposed development by Henderson Homes is on 1.5 acres of greenfield land which currently has one occupier. The company has submitted an outline planning application which means it does not have to submit specific design details at this stage.

A total of 11 representations have been received from the public, along with an objection from Preston Brook Parish Council, which raised fears over a range of issues including location and traffic.

It said: “The area is already subject to excessive traffic and speeding and to introduce 17 additional properties would present further impact to the village.

“Preston on the Hill is the original village for Preston Brook and is slowly being eroded by unnecessary residential developments."

A report to the committee recommended the granting of outline approval subject to conditions, including financial contributions toward affordable housing, public open spaces for children and young people,  and extension of the 30mph zone.

The report said: “The proposal would bring forward residential development in a primarily residential area and the proposal demonstrates that a residential land use would be sympathetic to surrounding land uses.

“The highway officer has commented that the means of access to the proposed development is acceptable and the suggested conditions are in the interests of highway safety."

It said the proposals fitted with the council's current planning strategy and would contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in Halton.

It added: "The application is recommended for approval subject to conditions and the entering into a legal agreement or other agreement for the provision of a financial contribution towards off-site provision for children and young people and to secure the four affordable homes."