76 affordable homes at Land To The East Of Wilmslow Road, Heald Green

What was proposed

The application proposed 76 affordable homes, with access, parking, landscaping, drainage and associated works, including 44 houses and 32 apartments.

“DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT The proposed development is best understood through reference to the submitted plans, and comprises the erection of 76 dwellings, together with access, parking, landscaping, drainage and other associated works. The dwellings would comprise 44 houses and 32 apartments. The site is referred to as being split into an eastern and western parcel, with vehicular access to both parcels taken from Griffin Farm Drive.”

“A single point of vehicle access is proposed into the development from Wilmslow Road which splits to provide separate vehicular access to the eastern and western parcels. Pedestrian links between the parcels are shown on the plans. Each of the houses would have two parking bays and each apartment will have access to one parking space. Off-site highway works include the delivery of a segregated cycle track and footway works to infill a gap in the Wilmslow Road corridor.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately 1.7-hectare site comprised eastern and western parcels, including airport parking, scrub and amenity space, within the Green Belt.

“The site comprises two parcels of land (the eastern and western parts of the site) which are linked by a pedestrian/cycle link to the south. The western part of the site is partially used for car parking, partially vacant and overgrown with scrub, and partially lawned amenity space. There are trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order to the north of the eastern part of the site.”

“The site is bound to the west by Wilmslow Road, beyond which is residential development. To the south of the application site is the existing site access from Wilmslow Road which forms part of the application site for planning permission reference DC/087141 for residential development, and commercial office buildings at the South Gate Centre.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

An earlier resolution supported permission subject to a legal agreement and conditions, after which the affordable housing was increased to 100% and layout changes were made.

“The application has previously been considered by the Cheadle Area Committee and the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee, with the latter making a resolution to grant planning permission subject to a legal agreement and conditions on 13 th February 2025.”

“Following the Committee resolution, the applicant has amended the proposal as follows: a. increase the affordable housing provision from 66 of the 76 dwellings (87%) to 100%, supported by a covering letter to update the proposal description and an amended Affordable Housing Statement, and b. to include the erection of a substation south of Plot 74, and minor revisions to the layouts of Plots 66-70.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended granting permission because the site was considered Grey Belt, the proposal met the relevant housing and infrastructure requirements, and no significant adverse impacts were identified.

“The assessment above concludes that the proposed development is appropriate development in the Green Belt in accordance with Paragraphs 155, 156 and 157 of the NPPF. The application site is Grey Belt land within the Green Belt, there is demonstrable unmet need for the affordable housing proposed, the site is in a sustainable location, and the proposal meets the ‘Golden Rules’ as required by Paragraphs 155(d) and 156 of the NPPF as: a.”

“In respect of sub paragraph (i) the NPPF at Chapters 12 and 16 seek to protect areas or assets of particular importance, those being the Green Belt and neighbouring heritage assets. As outlined in the report above, the application of those policies secures a development that is in accordance with the NPPF due to the application site being considered Grey Belt land within the Green Belt, and the proposal being in accordance with the Golden Rules set out at Paragraph 156 of…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A member of the public spoke against the proposal about flood risk and drainage, and the planning agent spoke in favour of the amendments.

What members discussed

Members questioned the committee’s role, flood-risk assessment, drainage management and the effect of possible Homes England funding on delivery.

“Members noted local concerns regarding flooding and recalled that this was discussed at the previous meeting, and asked the Planning Officer to advise of the process for assessing flood risk as part of planning applications. The Planning Officer advised that all major planning applications such as this are required to be submitted with a Flood Risk Assessment, and that the site is in Flood Zone 1 (lowest risk).”

“A member of the public spoke against the proposed development, and asked questions regarding flood risk and drainage information. The Committee Clerk advised that this speaking time is for statements rather than an opportunity to ask questions of the Committee.”

Officer report

The vote

Members unanimously recommended that permission be granted subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

“Members unanimously resolved to make a recommendation that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission subject to conditions and a legal agreement.”

Officer report

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

“RESOLVED – That grant planning permission subject to conditions and a legal agreement.”

Minutes