TATTON Estate says new developments such as Bluebell Village in Knutsford would complement transport infrastructure improvements.

Bluebell Village is earmarked for Manchester Road under plans by Tatton Estate for a ‘village community’ which would include up to 300 homes and a village centre with local shops and facilities, including space for GPs and dentists.

A Tatton Estate spokesman said Cheshire East Council’s Local Plan allocation of about 1,000 new homes and jobs in Knutsford, including at Bluebell Village, was set to complement a £440 million investment in local roads already taking place.

He said: “The £440 million of investment in four motorway upgrades, including the M6, M56 and A556, to deliver much-needed road capacity - together with upgrades to train services - are expected to be a catalyst for growth in Cheshire, which is already one of the UK’s most vibrant economies.

“In addition to these improvements already being delivered Knutsford itself will see five major road improvements worth over £2.7 million funded entirely by Local Plan development sites.

“These will pay for new, improved junctions at Adam’s Hill, Canute Place, Mobberley Road/Parkgate Lane, Brook Street/Hollow Lane and site accesses at Northwich and Manchester Roads.

“One of the Local Plan sites that will fund these improvements is Bluebell Village, which is being brought forward by the Tatton Estate.

“Last week Cheshire East Council approved planning for new jobs at another allocated site, Parkgate, which have been promised for over 20 years.

“This application will now provide funding for improvements to widening Parkgate Lane as well as the new junction.

“In recent years residents in Knutsford have raised concern at apparent increasing levels of traffic in the area.

“Much of this is caused by ongoing motorway improvements, especially accidents related to M6 roadworks, which once complete will significantly improve key strategic transport routes in the area - and reduce the level of traffic in Knutsford.

“New homes and jobs to the south of the town centre, such as Bluebell Village, are especially well placed to benefit from this extra capacity and will also deliver pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the centre and nearby bus and rail routes to reduce car journeys in the area.

“The highways improvements come as part of a wider package of ongoing investment into Cheshire, including the forthcoming upgrades to the Mid-Cheshire Rail Line.”

Rachael Wilbraham at Tatton Planning said: “It is so encouraging to see long overdue investment in road and rail in Cheshire. These significant improvements will support growth in Knutsford and the wider Cheshire area.

“New developments such as at Bluebell Village will complement the ongoing transport infrastructure improvements, paying for new junctions and improvements on Manchester Road and in the town centre.

“Whilst this work may cause disruption in the short term it will support Cheshire’s vibrant economy offering opportunities for more people now and in the future to live, work and visit our area.”