Six-home principle application at Land To The West Of Cookesmere Lane, Sandbach
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Cheshire East Southern Planning Committee on 4 Feb 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought permission in principle for residential development of up to six dwellings.
“In consideration of the above, the adverse impacts of the proposal would not be viewed to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies within the NPPF. The proposed development would benefit from the presumption in favour of sustainable development which weighs heavily in support of the proposed development. Therefore, the application is recommended for approval.”
Officer report
The site and surroundings
The site was a triangular green field in open countryside west of Cookesmere Lane, beside housing and open land, with altered access proposed.
“The application site comprises a triangular parcel of land to the west of Cookesmere Lane within the Open Countryside as defined by the Local Plan Policies Map. It is currently a green site consisting of a relatively flat field that slopes to the main highway. Residential properties are located to the east with open land to the north, south and west. Access to the site is proposed to be altered from existing and leading onto Cookesmere Lane.”
Officer report
Earlier planning history
An earlier application for residential development was refused in August 1974.
“0167/1 - Residential development (Refused 21-08-1974)”
Officer report
What officers recommended
Officers found conflict with countryside and settlement-boundary policies but considered the site sustainable and the housing benefits greater than the adverse impacts.
“That being said, the Council is unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing, and paragraph 11d of the NPPF is therefore engaged in this case. The balance is that planning permission should be granted unless any adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the NPPF when taken as a whole.”
Officer report
Consultation responses
Council services raised no objections, while the town council supported the proposal in principle subject to bungalows, road access and active travel access.
“CEC Flood Risk (LLFA): No objections to make in regard to flood risk but ask to be reconsulted once drainage aspects can be considered.”
“Sandbach Town Council: No objection to the proposals in principle, and it is sought that the LPA ensures: i. Any future development on the site is restricted to bungalows to ensure the local housing mix is supported with these much-needed unit types. ii. That any development on the site allows for a 2 lane/each direction roadway to ensure ease of access/egress for residents and service vehicles. iii. That active travel access across the site to wider links is maintained…”
Officer report
Residents’ objections
Five households objected over countryside development, housing form, sustainability, access, drainage, parking, local services and the character of Sandbach.
“Five households have provided objection letters which highlight the following points: - Unacceptable development encroaching into the open countryside - Inappropriate built form with dormer bungalows at the settlement edge - Unsustainable location for housing aimed at older residents - Sustainability of the location in relation to services and facilities - Premature suggestion of dormer bungalows for Planning in Principle (PiP) - Impact on an informal route and the…”
Officer report
The committee’s decision
The committee considered the application, noted the update report and approved it.
“Members noted the content of the update report.”
“That application 25/4629/PIP be APPROVED.”
Minutes
Sources
- Cheshire East Southern Planning Committee minutes, 4 February 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Cheshire East's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Cheshire East
- Date
- Wednesday 4 February 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- Cheshire East committee decisions →
This committee's year
19 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.