Village affordable housing plans set for approval

The application site is off Crewe Road, Winterley

Plans for 54 affordable homes in the open countryside in Cheshire have been recommended for approval.

More than 150 people objected to the application for land off Crewe Road, Winterley, citing concerns including highways safety, loss of agricultural land and change to its rural character.

Cheshire East Council planning officers said the proposal "conflicts with the development plan as a whole", but the authority does not have a five-year supply of housing, which weighs in its favour.

The proposal from Breck Homes for one to four bed social and affordable homes, which would be managed by Weaver Vale Housing Trust, is set to be considered on 3 December.

A property at 481 Crewe Road would be demolished to give access to the land behind.

The proposal is for six one-bed properties, 23 two-bed, 21 three-bed, and four four-bedroom houses.

Haslington Parish Council said Winterley had already received its quota of new housing, there was no evidence of local housing need, the location was unsustainable and there was a lack of facilities.

The planning officer's report acknowledged the application would change the rural character of the site and take away agricultural land, going against the development plan, but it was considered to be in a sustainable location.

The 54 social and affordable properties would also contribute to the council's housing need, it stated.

The application is recommended for approval subject to the completion of an agreement which includes financial contributions towards the NHS, education and sport.

The southern planning committee meeting takes place at 10:00 GMT on Wednesday 3 December at Delamere House in Crewe.

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

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