RESIDENTS are to be asked for their views on the latest major housing scheme earmarked for Knutsford.

The public consultation is to be staged by Bruntwood and Hillcrest Homes, which have announced a joint venture for 150 planned houses.

Regional property company Bruntwood has joined forces with Hillcrest to deliver the next phase of their development at Booths Park.

The partnership is seeking to bring forward a phased development of about 150 houses with open spaces, suitable for the setting in Booths Park.

A partnership spokesman said: “The type and mix of homes address significant identified local demand for a cross-section of homes for first-time buyers and downsizers – including family housing, bungalows and apartments offered at affordable prices.

“The proposed site has been confirmed as safeguarded land for future residential development through its allocation by Cheshire East Council in the Local Plan.”

Bruntwood and Hillcrest Homes are to launch a public consultation on the masterplan for the proposals with an exhibition on Friday, November 16 in Booths Hall, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm. Information about the proposals will also be available online.

The masterplan recognises the proximity of the site to Booths Hall, and will seek to open the Park for wider public access.

The partnership spokesman said the scheme would look to improve the leisure potential of the Mere and deliver new public paths across Booths Park.

He said: “In addition there is an ongoing dialogue with Knutsford’s GP surgeries which could see much-needed new medical facilities incorporated within the plans.”

James Payne of Hillcrest Homes said: “It’s great to be working with a company with the vision and commitment of Bruntwood.

“Booths Park has for many years been a restricted site, and we want to open it up to the town and enable residents to share in its new and existing facilities, within this fantastic parkland setting.

“There is a chronic shortage of new and sensibly-designed housing in Knutsford and surrounding areas. According to Cheshire East Council’s figures

fewer than 70 houses have been built since 2010.”

Owned by Bruntwood, the 220-acre Booths Park estate is home to more than 60 companies employing more than 1,300 people.

Chris Roberts of Bruntwood said: “Hillcrest Homes has substantial experience in delivering high quality homes in Cheshire and the north west.

“Bruntwood want to ensure any future development at Booths Park is sensitive to the location and integrates within the estate.

“We would like to bring new residential development to Booths Park to complement the employment offer.

“We have a historic commitment to the town, and want to explore through meaningful consultation with the community what people want and deliver imaginative ways to make this site more accessible and beneficial to the community.”

James Payne said: “This scheme will be delivered by Hillcrest Homes if we secure planning consent, and is not reliant upon a sale of the site to one of the volume housebuilders.

“We would really encourage people to engage in the consultation process, online or at the public exhibition.”