Willaston Parish Council Defends Community Land from Development Linked Claim

Willaston Parish Council is pleased to confirm the successful resolution of a land dispute concerning Council owned land at the allotments on Crewe Road. The land, used for both community and agricultural purposes, had been subject to an adverse possession application submitted by a third party, which the Parish Council opposed through its legal representatives.

The application appeared closely connected to a proposed housing development on nearby land, as detailed in EIA Screening Application 25/0773/EIA by Redrow Homes NW, seeking permission for up to 220 dwellings on land at Crewe Road, Wistaston. 

The claim to Council land would likely have facilitated site access or expansion in support of this development.

In early March 2025, the Council’s solicitor formally requested that the applicant withdraw their claim. The Council made clear it would not enter into negotiation and confirmed its readiness to defend the matter before a land tribunal if necessary.

On 23 April 2025, the Council received confirmation from the Land Registry that the adverse possession claim had been withdrawn, securing the land for its continued community and agricultural use.

The Council acknowledges that this matter has consumed a significant amount of time and resources over recent months, and regretfully placed the Parish Council in the position of having to bear the cost of legal representation to safeguard Parish Council land.

Willaston Parish Council remains committed to defending the parish from inappropriate or speculative development. It will always step up to protect local interests where proposed developments may bring significant impact to the parish and the surrounding area.