Concern in village over Church land sale plan

A group of residents has set up a campaign to prevent what they describe as "opportunistic and unsustainable" housing development in their village - with a potential project linked to the Church of England said to be causing particular concern.

Members of Protect Malpas said they were worried about sites in their part of Cheshire being identified for building without adequate local infrastructure in place.

They said they were especially alarmed over plans by the Diocese of Chester to sell a large area of agricultural land adjacent to Wrexham Road which could accommodate about 500 homes.

A spokesperson for the diocese said the decision to sell had been taken after careful and prayerful thought.

"We understand the emotional significance of this space to many local people," a spokesperson said.

"That is why we are working with [property consultants] Fisher German to ensure ongoing engagement with Malpas residents and to provide opportunities for the community to help shape what happens next."

According to Protect Malpas, the land being marketed for sale included Ox Heyes - an area of historic importance which featured a line of trees known locally as the Twelve Apostles.

The fields had been used by generations of Malpasians, the group said, and were a "much treasured green space".

Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently part way through forming its next local plan, which sets out guidance on development in the area.

Members of the Protect Malpas group said the plan might not be completed until next year, and feared it could be further delayed.

Malpas was already struggling to cope with the amount of new housing that had been built in the past ten years, they said.

"A proposed housing development of 514 houses would almost double the size of Malpas putting strain on already stressed services and infrastructure," said Joanna Dakin, a spokesperson for the group.

She said the proposed access route, via Church Street, was a narrow road and was often blocked due to parked cars.

"Our small village roads and High Street simply do not have the capacity for 1,000-plus additional cars," she said.

A diocese spokesperson said local authorities were required to identify suitable land to help meet housing needs, and added the tenant on the farmland had been informed of the intention to sell the land.

"As a registered charity, the Diocese of Chester Board of Finance is legally required under the Charities Act to secure best value from its assets," they said.

"Exploring development opportunities is part of fulfilling this duty.

"This is a strategic, long‑term investment intended to strengthen the diocese's mission and ministry for future generations."

They said they recognised that the prospect of new housing could raise concerns within communities, and that development in Malpas was a longstanding issue for many residents.

"As stewards of this land, the Diocese of Chester is committed to ensuring that any future development delivers meaningful benefits for the parish by balancing community needs, environmental responsibility, and long‑term financial sustainability," they said.

They added they were only prepared to sell to an "ethical developer who will deliver high‑quality housing that respects the area's architectural heritage and traditions while remaining sensitive to the Christian ethos and cultural heritage of the Church of England".

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