Developer appeals refusal of 325 homes on farmland

A developer has lodged an appeal against a local authority's decision to refuse planning permission for a scheme of 325 new homes.

Bloor Homes wants to build on almost 20 hectares of open countryside and agricultural land between Manor Road and the A533 in Sandbach.

Cheshire East Council's planning officers had recommended the outline application be approved when it was considered in November.

But councillors said it would result in harm to the setting of the nearby Leonard Cheshire Home (The Hill), Oakley House and Oakley Coach House which are designated heritage assets.

The appeal was listed on the authority' website but not yet on the planning inspectorate's appeals portal and a hearing date has not yet been set.

More than 2,130 people signed a petition and about 1,100 objections were sent to the council opposing the proposals last year.

Several objectors also packed into the November planning meeting to see the scheme turned down.

Seven councillors voted to refuse the application, one voted against refusal and three abstained.

Speaking immediately after that meeting, campaigners said they would be prepared to continue fighting the plans if the developer went to appeal.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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