Almost 800 homes set for go-ahead

Proposals to create almost 800 homes in Cheshire look set to be given the go-ahead.Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board will consider a host of residential projects at its next meeting on Wednesday, 22 February 2017.This includes an outline planning application by the Fairfield Partnership to build 400 houses on pasture fields at Flowers Lane near the Crewe headquarters of luxury carmaker Bentley. The site, which extends to 60.3 acres, is bisected by two high-voltage overhead lines running from north east to south west.It is envisaged that the plot would comprise two areas of development either side of a landscaped central green corridor underneath the electricity pylons. A total of 22 acres of open space, including sports pitches, a children’s play area and allotments, would be provided as part of the scheme.In terms of the residential element, 30 per cent of the properties would be affordable homes.The application was deferred at the planning board’s last meeting to enable more information to be provided and more robust conditions on emergency access to be incorporated.Ahead of the meeting, a report prepared by planning officers has recommended that the scheme should be delegated to the head of planning to approve.Meanwhile, an outline planning application by the Richborough Estates Partnership to develop up to 200 homes on land near Congleton bounded by Back Lane to the north east, Black Firs Lane to the south east and fields to the south is also recommended for approval.