INSPECTORS are deliberating on two planning applications in Northwich villages.

A public inquiry has taken place into plans for 70 houses at land off Fountain Lane, in Davenham, followed by a separate inquiry into a proposal for 113 homes at Hill Top Farm, in Kingsmead.

Both plans were refused by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Cllr Arthur Wood, from Davenham Parish Council, spoke against the two proposals at each of the inquiries.

"You can't second guess the inspectors," he said.

"They're very careful that they don't show leanings one way or another.

"They emphasise listening to the arguments and go away with boxes of paperwork and balance up a decision."

In the case of the Fountain Court plans, put forward by Richborough Estates, the arguments for the development centred on improving Cheshire West and Chester Council's housing stock while the arguments against included maintaining a green buffer between Davenham and Moulton, environmental concerns, a lack of school places and congestion in the village centre.

Cllr Wood said: "I saw this inquiry as being a very important one because a lot of the issues are those that will come up in other appeals.

"It's so critical for the village that we don't want any development on this protected land."

Issues around the plans for Hill Top Farm, put forward by Russell Homes, include fears for highways safety, as the new estate would have a junction with the A556 opposite its junction with Hartford Road, as well as environmental concerns and a lack of facilities.

Cllr Wood said approval for the plans would mean a signal-controlled crossroads on the A556, which could create a rat run through the village.

"We are concerned about that increase in traffic and recreating the hazards we got rid of when the central reservation was closed a few years ago," he said.