Cheshire East Council's Strategic Planning Board approved a large new housing development in Leighton, and discussed, but did not decide on, plans for a new industrial estate in Crewe, and a new housing estate in Bosley.

Leighton housing development

The Strategic Planning Board approved a plan to build 450 houses on land off Minshull New Road in Leighton. The application, which was submitted by Bloor Homes and Vistry Homes, will also see the construction of a new primary school, a local centre, and public open space.

The development will be built on land that is currently used for agriculture. It was allocated for housing in Cheshire East's Local Plan: the council's strategic planning policy document.

The application was approved by nine votes to two.

Arguments in favour

Councillor Smith said that he was satisfied that the application meets the requirements of the Local Plan and that it would provide much-needed housing for the borough.

Arguments against

I am concerned about the impact of this development on the local road network.

said Councillor Jones.

The A530 is already very busy, and I am not convinced that the proposed mitigation measures will be sufficient to address the additional traffic that will be generated by this development.

Crewe industrial estate

Councillors discussed a proposal for a new 1 million square foot industrial estate in Crewe.

The development, which has been submitted by Panattoni, would be located on land to the west of David Whitby Way.

The application is still under consideration, and a decision is expected to be made later this year.

Arguments in favour

This is a major employment site which has the capacity to bring over 3,500 jobs to Crewe.

said David Jones, speaking on behalf of the applicant.

Arguments against

I am extremely concerned about the lack of a landscape buffer to screen this development from the residential properties to the west.

said Councillor Roberts.

Bosley housing development

Councillors also discussed a plan to build 50 new homes in the village of Bosley. The development, which was submitted by Gladman Developments, would be located on land off Leek Road.

The application is still under consideration, and a decision is expected to be made later this year.

Arguments in favour

This development represents a valuable Fallback Position should the Council’s housing supply reduce.

said Mr Carrington, speaking on behalf of the applicant. A Fallback Position is a technical term in planning that describes a requirement for councils to demonstrate a plan to meet their housing targets even if one or more developments in the local plan do not go ahead.

Arguments against

I am concerned that the proposed development would represent a significant visual intrusion into the open countryside.

said Councillor Bailey.