85-home outline scheme at Land At London Road, Nantwich

What was proposed

An outline scheme sought up to 85 homes, including affordable housing, open space, play areas, drainage and infrastructure, with only access decided now.

“The erection of up to 85 homes; ▪ At least 30% affordable housing ▪ Main vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access from London Road via a priority T junction; ▪ A developable area of circa 2.42 hectares ▪ Associated net density of circa 35 dwellings per hectare ▪ 3.88 hectares of public open space, ecological areas, and landscaping ▪ An area of open space in the northeast of the site to provide a transition to the countryside…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is 6.39 hectares of agricultural land south-east of Nantwich, beside London Road, with hedgerows, trees, nearby homes and transport links.

“The application site comprises circa 6.39 hectares of agricultural land to the south-east of Nantwich, located within the parish of Stapeley and Batherton. The Site is predominantly greenfield agricultural land and includes several structures associated with this use.”

“The Site is located in the south east of Nantwich. The previous boundary of the town was defined by the A530, however recent residential developments around Nantwich have breached this boundary. Most notably, the Barratt David Wilson Homes site known as ‘Stapeley Water Gardens’ is located adjacent to the proposed development Site on the opposite side (south) of London Road.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no recent relevant planning history on the site.

“There is no recent relevant planning history on the site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the housing and economic benefits were considered to outweigh the countryside, green gap, landscape and agricultural land impacts.

“The proposed development on this site would cause harm. There would be adverse landscape impacts on the character and appearance of the area due to the urbanising effect of the housing within the open countryside. There would also be a minor reduction in the Willaston / Wistaston / Nantwich / Crewe Strategic Green Gap.”

“Development of the site would result in the loss of ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land, this does weigh in against the proposal but needs to be balanced against the prevalence of agricultural land in Cheshire East.”

Officer report

Consultees and local objections

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or contributions, while the parish council and residents objected on transport, environmental and community grounds.

“Head of Strategic Transport - No objection subject to conditions, and financial contributions of £300,000 for public transport, £5k for the assessment of a speed limit reduction on London Road in the vicinity of the site secured by s106”

“Environmental Protection Unit – No objection, conditions and informatives recommended in relation to air quality, noise and contaminated land.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Objections included countryside and green gap loss, congestion, highway safety, flooding, wildlife, trees, privacy, local services and climate impacts.

“Representations have been received from 13 individual persons objecting to this application. The points made are summarised as follows:”

“- Loss of open countryside - Loss of Strategic Green Gap - Contrary to local and national planning policy - Concerns around vehicle access during construction - Congestion, particular issue during peak times - Cumulative highway impact with existing developments such as Maylands Park - Highway safety concerns on London Road and Wynbunbury Lane - Access in unsafe location - Condition of London Road and Wybunbury Lane - Damage to the environment - Air quality impact from…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Representations were made by a parish council councillor, an objector and the agent.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to a Section 106 agreement securing contributions, affordable housing, open space and recreation provision.

“That for the reasons set out in the report the application be APPROVED, subject to a S106 agreement to secure the following:”

“S106 Amount Trigger Affordable Housing 30% (65% Affordable/Social Rent and 35% Intermediate) In accordance with phasing plan to be submitted. Health £76,755 (£903 per dwelling 50% Prior to first occupation 50% at occupation of 40 th dwelling Education £170,062.00 for Special Educational Need 50% Prior to first occupation 50% at occupation of 40 th dwelling Public Transport £300,000 for public transport improvements £100k on occupation of 20 th dwelling…”

Minutes