New homes approved amid Jodrell Bank fears

An application to build 120 homes in open countryside has been given the go-ahead amid worries the scheme could adversely affect the Jodrell Bank observatory.

Cheshire East Council approved the development on a 5.5-hectare parcel of agricultural land off Sandbach Road in Congleton.

Richborough and Land First Investments was given outline planning permission for the homes, of which 30% are "affordable", and was told work must begin within three years.

The University of Manchester, which manages the radio telescope at Jodrell Bank, had objected to the application over concerns it would impair the technology's efficiency.

Planning officers said the site was on the outskirts of the Jodrell Bank consultation zone.

A condition was made for specialised design and construction techniques to be used to mitigate impacts on the operation of the observatory.

The applicant's agent, Jon Suckley, said the development was "a very logical extension to Congleton".

He said the development would also deliver a range of highways improvements, including a new toucan crossing on Sandbach Road, realignment of the bus laybys and a new bus shelter as well as a new cycle and footway along Sandbach Road.

Councillor Stewart Gardiner raised concerns that installing the new bus shelter involved removing the layby so the bus would be stopping on the road.

It was agreed that the applicant would provide an extra £5,000 to pay for a transport survey, to consider whether speed limits needed to be reduced.

An extra condition was also added so that permitted development rights were removed from the new properties to protect Jodrell Bank.

Permitted development rights usually give homeowners and developers permission to carry out certain building works or changes of use without needing a full planning application.

The plans were approved, with the developer told to contribute £108,000 towards health services, £705,000 towards education provision and £540,000 towards the Congleton Link Road.

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

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