HOMEOWNERS on a road in Knutsford have voiced concerns over parking and access after a housing trust proposed to build five new homes on a plot currently home to 14 garages.

Peaks and Plains Housing Trust want to create five homes on Lowe Drive in place of garages that were built in the 1970s.

Many of the garages are not used for cars however, as modern day cars are bigger than ones built 30 years ago.

But the plans have caused concern among residents.

Writing on Cheshire East Council's planning portal, William Eyres, of Lowe Drive, said: "Whilst I have no formal objections to the re-development of the former garage plot in Lowe Drive, I do feel that consideration needs to be given to existing residents with regards to car parking arrangements.

"The road is already extremely narrow and with high kerbs on both sides of the road, vehicular access is already very difficult without damaging wheels and tyres. Although traffic throughput is relatively light, the proposed development will only bring additional cars to the vicinity and therefore increase the problem."

Rob Walker, of Lowe Drive, said: "I am in full agreement that the garages need to be demolished and a new development introduced. However, like all of the other residents, there must be consideration for the current and future parking situation. I would suggest that the road is widened, maybe by moving the footpath backwards towards the new houses. Also there should be some off street parking on the new development for current residents of Lowe Drive."

In a written statement on Cheshire East Council's planning portal, Knutsford Town Council's Over Ward Cllr Andrew Malloy said: "A number of residents have voiced concern over parking on this road. Most of the properties on Lowe Drive are Peaks & Plains social housing, and very few have off road parking provision, they park wherever they can.

"Concern has also been raised over access for amenity and emergency vehicles; bin lorries, ambulances, fire and rescue appliances, which have in the past struggled to navigate this road.

"I would argue that Peaks & Plains has a responsibility to ensure parking provision is available for all residents, new and existing.

"The garages were surely originally provided for residents of Lowe Drive to help reduce the number of parked cars on the street.

"A comprise could be for plots 1 to 4 to proceed, but instead of plot 5, provide off-street parking for residents of the road with a parking permit scheme to ensure only residents are using them. It should be possible to get at least 12 parking spaces on this plot.

"To sum up, I oppose the proposals as they stand, but see merit in making adjustments to provide much needed social housing while helping to alleviate parking and access issues in the area."

A petition has also been submitted against the plans that has 10 names on it.

Knutsford Town Council raised no objections subject to neighbours’ comments.

A decision is expected on Tuesday, May 3.