Handforth is rising up against plans to build hundreds of homes on its green belt.

Determined volunteers are leafleting every house to make sure people know what Cheshire East is proposing for the village’s future and urge them to respond to the six-week consultation which started this week.

People around the village have said Handforth is being ‘dumped on’ and fear plans will destroy green space.

The council wants to allow a new settlement on green belt it owns east of the bypass, known as sites M1 and M2, with 2,300 homes, facilities and infrastructure.

Land next to Coppice Way has been earmarked for 50 houses – a site also subject to plans by Jones Homes for 175 homes.

These are the two preferred development sites set out in the latest draft of the Local Plan – the Draft Development Strategy.

Coun David Pincome, parish council chairman,  said at the last meeting they’d been ‘hoodwinked’ by Cheshire East, after being consulted on far fewer homes previously.

He said: “Cheshire East has disregarded our views, we were under the impression certain sites would not be built on.

“The urgent battle is to protect greenfield west of the bypass but there is a battle on the east too. It’s important we get the message across that this will be last chance to comment on the Local Plan before it’s reviewed for the final time.”

Coun Barry Burkhill said council leader Michael Jones has promised to protect land to the west of the bypass, if policies are in place to stand up to planning appeals.

Coun Roger Small said:  “Jones has exploited the democratic process, he looked at the consultation data for M1 and M2 and saw a slight majority supported building there and seized upon that.”

Coun Patricia Page said:  “Cheshire East has ridden roughshod over Handforth.”

Councillors decided to circulate relevant pages of the draft plan to all residents and hold three public meetings.

Coun Cynthia Samson called for volunteers and Coun Dennis Mahon gave a rallying call to residents.

He said: “If residents and councillors move together to give their views then Cheshire East is bound by that. We have got to get people to understand they have the power to make a decision which is going to affect everyone. It’s crucial, I’ll stand up and shout it.”

The first public meeting is expected on Tuesday, January 22, at Handforth Youth Centre at 7pm. Contact the parish clerk on 01625 820932.

Cheshire East is consulting on the Draft Development Strategy until February 26. Residents can respond at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan . Comment forms are available at  libraries and customer service points, parish and town councils.

Councillors are to investigate the idea protective covenants may exist on the earmarked land.